Supporting Emotional Resilience in Kids After the Election

Guide kids through uncertainty with empathy, openness, and action steps.

Reviewed by Gary Drevitch

Key points

• Create space for kids’ questions and let them express their emotions.
• Share your feelings calmly to model healthy emotional expression.
• Explain political issues simply, connecting them to kids’ everyday experiences.
• Encourage small acts of kindness to build resilience and foster hope.

The day after an election can feel like an emotional whirlwind, especially if the outcome feels personal or unsettling. Many parents are navigating their own reactions while trying to help their kids make sense of what’s happening around them. If your family or community feels directly impacted, these conversations can be particularly sensitive and important.

As a single mother raising a young Black son, I’m often considering what the future will look like for him and what these political events mean for our lives. Friends with school-aged kids share similar thoughts: “How do we talk to our kids about these issues without causing fear? How do we support them through what feels like an unpredictable time?” Here are some strategies to help you connect, empathize, and empower kids as they process the election results.

1. Make Room for Their Questions and Feelings

Kids of all ages are often aware of much more than we think, and they might already have questions or concerns. Start by asking what they know or have heard, and encourage them to share openly. Creating a safe, judgment-free space to listen to their thoughts gives them permission to explore and express their feelings.

Example Prompts:

• “What have you heard about the election? What are you curious about?”
• “How are you feeling about what’s happening?”

Even young children can pick up on the emotions around them, so listening and reassuring them that their feelings are valid can help build trust and open communication.

2. Share Your Own Emotions Honestly (But Calmly)

As adults, we may feel a range of emotions—disappointment, fear, even anger—especially when results might signal challenges for marginalized communities. Sharing these emotions, as long as it’s done in a calm, reassuring way, can model healthy emotional processing for your child. Let them know it’s okay to feel strongly and that talking about emotions openly is important.

As a parent, I often think about how my son will experience these moments as he grows older. I want him to know that it’s okay to have big feelings and to lean on family support. By sharing age-appropriate reflections like, “I feel disappointed, but I’m glad we’re in this together,” kids learn that it’s okay to feel and that they’re not alone.

3. Explain Complex Issues in Simple, Relatable Ways

For many children, political events can seem confusing or abstract. It can help to explain complex issues by relating them to situations that directly impact their lives, such as school, community safety, or environmental policies. You can also draw on family values, like kindness and fairness, to help them understand why these events matter.

Example: You might say, “This election helps decide things like the quality of schools and healthcare. Some people have different ideas about what’s best, so it’s important that we stay informed and talk about it as a family.”

When children feel like they understand the issues, they’re often better able to process and navigate their feelings. And by connecting big issues to their everyday world, you help them feel that these events are relevant and meaningful.

4. Encourage Positive Actions They Can Take

When kids feel uncertain, encouraging them to take small positive actions can empower them. Whether it’s making a card for a neighbor, volunteering, or donating, these acts of kindness teach them that even small actions can make a difference.

Taking action can be a particularly powerful lesson for marginalized communities where election outcomes might feel especially significant. For example, participating in community events or family gatherings focused on resilience can remind children that they’re part of a network that supports them, even during challenging times.

Family Tip: Think of ways to work together on activities that promote hope, kindness, and resilience. You might volunteer together or brainstorm ideas for supporting friends and family. When kids see that they can make a difference, even in small ways, it helps foster resilience and hope.

5. Reinforce Family and Cultural Values

Especially when the political landscape feels divided, it’s important to ground children in the strength and pride of their family, culture, and community. Talk openly about values such as resilience, justice, and kindness, helping them feel a sense of pride in who they are and where they come from.

For example, if your family values include standing up for what’s right, use this as a foundation to discuss the importance of staying informed and supporting others, regardless of the election’s outcome. For Black and other marginalized families, reinforcing pride in cultural heritage can also provide children with a sense of stability and identity in times that may feel uncertain.

Example Conversation: “We believe in fairness and supporting others. Even though things may feel tense right now, we’ll keep living by our values and helping others.”

6. Remind Them (and Yourself) That Tough Times Don’t Last

Finally, remind kids that challenging moments are part of life, and they’re capable of handling difficult situations with support and care. Emphasizing resilience and hope, even when things feel hard, teaches them that life has ups and downs—and they have the strength to face them.

For parents, it’s equally important to practice self-care and to lean on your own support network. Kids benefit when they see their caregivers practicing resilience and prioritizing emotional well-being. Reach out to friends or join parent groups where you can talk about the unique challenges that come with parenting during these times. The more supported you feel, the better you’ll be able to support your child.

Closing Thought

Every election cycle brings a mix of emotions, especially when the stakes feel high. By engaging our children in open, honest conversations and modeling resilience, we’re providing them with tools to navigate uncertain times with hope and strength. For many families, this means building a foundation of empathy, support, and empowerment that will carry them forward.