It's Simple

I've seen every kind of reaction possible to last night's election.  Some were funny. Some were sad.  However, the one that really annoys me is people asking "What do I tell my children?".  First of all, don't ask social media what you should tell your children. They're your children.  You should probably go ahead and manage all important conversations with them on your own.  Secondly, what do you tell your children the morning after last night's election? You tell them the same thing parents have told their children after the last 44 elections. You tell them good morning. You tell them you love them and you hope they slept well.  You tell them to eat their breakfast and brush their teeth. You remind them to say please and thank you. You show them the value of a hug.  You teach them to be a good family member so they can be a good neighbor so they can be a good citizen.  You remind them that God, not a person, is in control.  That said, you explain to them that for the 45th time, we have a new president.  You let them know that just like the 44 before him, he will make some good decisions and some not so good decisions.  You tell them you're excited to see what happens over the next four years regardless of your actual opinion.  You are the adult.  It is not your job to enlighten your kids about the dark side of politics.  There is nothing to gain from sharing your fears, your concerns, or your wild guess on what the future holds.  Your job today, just like every other day of their lives, is to make them feel loved, safe, and hopeful.  Instead of stressing over what to tell your kids about this president, focus on raising them to be people you'd want to be president.