Trump's America has officially started with the swearing in of the country's new leader, President Donald Trump, on Friday, Jan. 20. He is, however, causing a great divide, not just among sectors and communities but also between families and friends.
Children are waking up to a world where people argue about their political beliefs with passion. Heated debates might have happened between adults during a family dinner or school incidents might have been triggered by this rage. The children can sense these are troubling times despite not having a great understanding of politics.
What then must parents do to help kids see that beyond the division, good relationships with family and friends should still be important? How should moms and dads manage parenting in Trump's America?
According to U.S. News, parents should tell their children that political disagreements are normal because people have different point of views. Now would be a great time, however, to teach children the proper way to disagree without resorting to personal attacks and disrespect.
It is important for parents to stress on empathy and kindness or that being cruel is never acceptable. Parents can be the best example of this by not name-calling or cursing politicians or someone whose views they don't like, especially if the children can hear this. This way, the young ones won't resort to the same behavior in school or among friends because they know that it's offensive.
Fast Company suggests empathy can be taught by exposing children to diverse cultures and beliefs. Read or watch the news together and discuss current events in a level that they would understand.
Educating the children through an open dialogue with parents fights the ignorance that's one of the causes of disagreements. By being aware of the plight of others - the minorities, the women, the LGBT and those with special needs and disabilities -- the children also build connections that strengthen their empathy.
Parents, however, have to ensure that their anxiety levels about what is going on in America today are addressed first. If not, their anger, hurt and frustration can be reflected on the children, which might bring more confusion.
"If parents get the care that they need for themselves then they're going to be able to be better parents for their children," psychologist Dr. Erica Reischer said, via Huffington Post. After all, empathy and kindness should begin at home and parents should strive to create this loving environment for their children.
