Dear St. Elizabeth's Community,
As the upcoming election draws near, it’s natural for adults—and children—to feel a range of emotions, from excitement to stress. At St. Elizabeth’s School, we recognize the importance of nurturing not just academic growth but also emotional well-being and empathy in our students. We know that children look to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to process challenging times, and the election season is no exception.
Children may overhear political discussions, see polarizing news coverage, or even engage in conversations with peers about candidates and policies. While it’s a great opportunity for learning, it can also be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential that we, as a community, offer thoughtful support to both our children and each other.
Here are five helpful tips for managing your child’s emotions during the election season while also fostering empathy:
1. Acknowledge Emotions and Validate Feelings
Children, like adults, experience a range of emotions during high-stress times, but they often need help understanding and processing those emotions. Dr. Marc Brackett, author of Permission to Feel, emphasizes the importance of emotional validation. By helping children identify and name their feelings, we empower them to better regulate their emotions.
- What you can say (for younger students): "It sounds like you’re feeling worried about what might happen in the election. It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s talk about what’s on your mind."
- What you can say (for middle school students): "It’s normal to feel [emotion] right now—elections can bring up a lot of feelings. Want to talk about what’s making you feel that way?"
- Why it works: Research shows that naming emotions decreases their intensity, making it easier for children to manage stress. By acknowledging their feelings, we model emotional intelligence and open the door for further conversations.
2. Keep the Conversation Age-Appropriate
As you talk to your children about the election, make sure the discussion is suited to their developmental stage. Younger children may be confused by complex political concepts, while older students might be more capable of handling nuanced discussions.
- What you can say (for younger children): "An election is when people vote for leaders who make decisions for our country. It’s okay to have questions! What do you want to know?"
- What you can say (for middle school students): "You’re learning a lot about the world right now, and the election is a big part of how our country works. What have you heard from your friends or in class? Do you have any thoughts or questions?"
- Why it works: According to the American Psychological Association (APA), clear and age-appropriate explanations reduce anxiety. Children feel more secure when they can ask questions in a safe, non-judgmental space.
3. Encourage Perspective-Taking and Empathy
Teaching children to consider other people’s perspectives is a powerful way to build empathy, especially during emotionally charged times like an election. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley suggests encouraging children to imagine how others feel and why they might think differently.
- What you can say (for younger students): "I know we have our own thoughts about this, but what do you think someone who supports the other candidate might be thinking? Can you imagine why they might feel that way?"
- What you can say (for middle school students): "It can be tough when people we care about have different opinions. What do you think might be influencing their views? How do you think they feel about what’s happening?"
- Why it works: This practice helps children develop empathy by understanding that people have different experiences and viewpoints. Perspective-taking can reduce polarization and foster respect for others, even when opinions differ.
4. Limit Media Exposure and Take Breaks
The constant stream of election news can be overwhelming, particularly for children. Dr. Brackett highlights the importance of creating boundaries around media consumption to prevent emotional overload.
- What you can say (for younger students): "There’s a lot of news right now, and it can feel like too much. Let’s take a break and do something relaxing together."
- What you can say (for middle school students): "It’s important to stay informed, but watching too much news can make us feel overwhelmed. Let’s set a limit on how much election coverage we follow today, and then we can focus on something else that makes us feel better."
- Why it works: By managing screen time and encouraging breaks, you help your child reduce stress. This teaches them that it's okay to step away from overwhelming situations and focus on self-care.
5. Model Emotional Regulation and Self-Care
As parents and caregivers, your children look to you for cues on how to handle stress. Show them that you, too, are taking steps to manage your own emotions during this time.
- What you can say (for younger students): "I’m feeling a little stressed about the election too, so I’m going to take a walk to clear my mind. Want to join me?"
- What you can say (for middle school students): "I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the election news lately, so I’m going to take a break and do something calming. What do you do when you feel stressed? Maybe we could try something together."
- Why it works: According to the Greater Good Science Center, children learn emotional regulation from the adults around them. Modeling healthy coping mechanisms helps them develop their own strategies for managing emotions.
Let’s Support Each Other: Post-Election Connection Nov. 6, 8:15–8:45 AM
As we guide our children through the election and its subsequent outcome, let’s also support each other as a community. Join Pastor Tory and me in the Great Hall for a Post-Election Connection. This will be a time to be together, have some coffee and treats, and lean into our core values of curiosity, compassion, courage, and connection.
If you have any questions or would like more resources on how to support your child during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together!
Best foot forward,
Adriana Murphy
Head of School
Sources:
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Brackett, M. (2019). Permission to Feel.
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Greater Good Science Center. Seven Tips for Talking with Kids About Politics.
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American Psychological Association. Talking to Children About the Election.
