A note from Melissa, Sinclair,
Director of Lifelong Learning
Parents,
We have been seeing and hearing a lot from our students about politics all summer and fall leading up to the election, more angry, fear and sadness after the election, and it continues with the same intensity through and after the inauguration. Our children and youth hear your discussions, anger, sadness, and despair and they take on your feelings as well having their own thoughts about it all.
Please take the time to help your children process the news and give them time and a place to express their feelings. Share with them your fears and worries (age appropriate and with your specific child's needs in mind) and give them a bit more patience, care, and hugs as they work through all the feelings.
Also, help them by teaching them where it is safe to express their feelings and how. Remember, they are learning yet how to handle emotions and where it is appropriate to "let it all hang out".
In classes we try hard to listen to our students and we don't stifle their feelings, but we sometimes have to redirect language if it starts to become over the top. They are being so expressive because it matters - to all of us.
It's been a hard little bit for all of us - adults and children alike.
