Supporting Kids in the Aftermath of the 2024 Election

This week saw the election of Trump for a second term, and many of us, including the children in our lives, are navigating big feelings about it. Here are some resources that will help you talk with kids and move them, and yourself, from a place of fear to one of action and connection. 

Our Color-Brave Caregiver Framework and Practices provide guidance on how to think about children’s racial learning and what to do and say in response to racial messages they encounter. Here are a few practices that are relevant to this time - the wake of the 2024 election

1. Ways to challenge children to question racial narratives

Our kids are exposed to countless messages about race, many of them harmful. As caregivers, we can offer children counter-narratives that help them understand race’s real impact, question harmful stereotypes, and stand against racial hierarchies. 

2. How to support children in processing big emotions about race and racism

You’re anxious, they’re anxious. Whether we are targeted by racism or witnessing others get targeted, it’s normal to feel angry, upset, ashamed - all kinds of big feelings. This guide equips you to help kids process complex feelings about race in a safe, affirming way. Hugs included!

3. Essential ways to foster pride and self-love in children of color

All kids need our support to know and love who they are. This guide considers how to do that with children of color in particular. By helping children of color know and love who they are, we can also build deep wells of resilience and self-worth that they can draw from when facing challenges, including experiences of prejudice and discrimination.

Additional Resources

What Should We Tell The Children?

An essay from Professor Ali Michael written in the wake of Trump's election in 2016. 

How to Talk with Your Kids about Donald Trump

A piece ER collaborator Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith wrote before the 2016 election. It’s just as relevant and helpful now. (Source: Greater Good Magazine)