How To Parent in Uncertain Times
If you’re feeling numb, overwhelmed, shocked, angry, scared, anxious, or worried about your kids, you’re in good company.
Many parents are processing big emotions right now. Here are some ideas to help you care for yourself and your family during this uncertain time:
𝟭) 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳
Self-care isn’t just helpful right now—it’s essential. Whatever you’re feeling is valid, and it’s important to honor those emotions. Ignoring feelings doesn’t make them go away; they often show up in new ways if left unaddressed.
Also, self-care is not a “one-and-done,” but something you can return to as often as needed. Small moments of relief can make a real difference.
Here are some options. Do you what works best for you:
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲: Take a few deep breaths to reconnect with the present.
𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Time outside can calm anxiety and clear your mind.
𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Exercise, music, time with loved ones, rest, or even a movie that makes you laugh or cry can bring relief.
Let your feelings out: Journal or talk to someone to express how you’re feeling. You don’t need to keep it all inside.
𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆: Novelty and joy can bring you a fresh sense of comfort.
𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲: Write down three things you’re grateful for today. Remember who and what you love—and who loves you.
𝟮) 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
If your kids are scared or confused, or you suspect they might be, ask them how they’re feeling.
It’s okay to start by normalizing their emotions. You could say something like, “Many people are feeling worried right now after the election. I was wondering how you're feeling?”
Listen closely, empathize, and validate their feelings:
This can sound like:
“𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦.”
“𝘐 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺.”
“𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 [𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯] 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
Sometimes, simply listening and validating is all a child needs. As parents, it’s natural to wish we could quickly fix things and make our kids feel better, but in times like these, our children need our emotional support the most.
If your child asks how things might change, it’s okay to say you're not sure or you don’t have all the answers. You could discuss things they are considering. Reassure them that people are coming together to figure out what to do, and although it will take time because the situation is new, many people will not give up.
𝟯) 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀
You and your child might have concerns about what the future holds. Address these topics if they’re on their mind. For example:
𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Discuss safe sex, consent, and any changing policies with both sons and daughters.
𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗺/𝗦𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝗺: If your child has seen or experienced discrimination at school, report it, validate their feelings, and discuss ways to stay safe and self-advocate.
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤𝗜𝗔+ 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Many kids feel anxious about future safety. Validate their feelings, and help them connect with supportive communities at school or in other spaces.
𝟰) 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳
For those who want to understand more about how we got here and ways to take action, here are a few resources:
𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿’s writings (explore her website and search for recent articles)
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻 by Ruth Ben-Ghiat (2021 edition)
On Tyranny: Twenty Lesson From The Twentieth Centry by Timothy Snyder
What history tells us about what comes next, and what to do about it - article by Andrea Pitzer:
https://degenerateart.beehiiv.com/p/swept-into-the-flood
𝟱) 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆
As parents, we continue forward because our kids need us, but you don’t have to do it alone. Find a community of parents who share your concerns. Together, we can support each other and do our best for our kids—they need us, and we need each other.
Take the Next Step
Parenting is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Every parent deserves guidance tailored to their unique needs. Here are some ways I can support your journey:
1) Get free parenting tips - Click HERE for valuable advice tailored to real-life parenting challenges.
2) Explore parenting classes - Click HERE to discover classes designed to empower and inspire you.
3) Schedule a free, confidential consultation - Click HERE to connect for a one-on-one conversation about your family.
I believe every family deserves guidance that honors your individual needs, and I’m passionate about helping parents find practical, meaningful solutions that help their family thrive. Let’s work together to create positive and lasting changes for your family.