Election

“No name calling.”

 

“You don’t have to agree, but you do have to treat others with respect.”

 

“Listen before you speak.”

 

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

 

“Be kind to others.”

 

Most of us work hard to teach our children kindness, respect and general manners. Every day we use common phrases reminding kids to act out the lessons we are teaching. We send them off to daycare, preschool, school, college and work and hope our lessons are reflected in their actions and ultimately by the people they become.

 

As we write this week’s column, Americans across our country are heading to the polls to vote in what has been one of the most heated and polarizing presidential elections ever. As you read this, you know concretely which candidate America has chosen as our 45th President of the United States. Many may feel elated while others feel disheartened.

 

Moments like these can be challenging as citizens yet a unique opportunity for us to model the behavior we consistently teach to our children. Your children likely know which candidate you supported and will be watching your reaction to the results in the following days, weeks and even four years. Depending on your stance, you have the opportunity to show your kids how to gracefully win or civilly lose. Children can walk away from this election with a better understanding of how to stay true to their own principles, respectfully disagree with others and still value others’ opinions with understanding. While this election has proven to be “nasty” and “deplorable” by many standards, our reaction can teach children many positive lessons.

 

So no matter if your candidate delivered a concession speech or victory speech for President of the United States of America, let’s all try to remember what message we send to our children. Let’s teach through actions and not just words. Please remember:

 

“Be kind to others.”

 

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

 

“Listen before you speak.”

 

“You don’t have to agree, but you do have to treat others with respect.”

 

“No name calling.”