As I think about the end of the 2020 election and the start of the Biden/Harris leadership, I am thinking of the young children throughout the country that were excited about Donald Trump's Presidency. I am thinking of the young boys and girls who likely rode in Trump parades, helped their parents hoist the Trump flag, gleefully donned their Trump caps and shirts, and cheered at Trump rallies.
As an educator, I cared deeply about all of my students. I knew that any political leanings young children demonstrated were born of their parents' words and examples. I also know that young children everywhere are well meaning, and truly the best people on Earth--children are naturally good hearted and kind.
So as I think of the Biden/Harris celebration, I am also thinking of children in the United States who may be very sad right now because what they were taught is right and good is now going away. I am thinking of children who are taking down the Trump flags.
If I was with these children, what would I do?
First, I would acknowledge their individual strengths, good hearts, and kind acts.
Next, I would ask them how they are feeling.
And, I would encourage them to think about how they can use their feelings for greater good. I would talk to them about the ways we can transfer energy in positive ways in our lives.
I would also encourage them to be observant, to study the facts of the matter, and think about the country they hope for in the future. After that, I would ask them how they might work well for the dreams they have.
Then, I would liken this event to any competitive event. Together we could talk about what it means to win and lose, and what it means to be a graceful loser. Further we could talk about how losing is a source of wisdom and strength if you let it be that way.
Of course, as an ardent supporter of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I believe that taking down the Trump flag is a move in the right direction, however, I am empathetic to how so many children throughout the country may be feeling about that, and I hope that Joe Biden will reach out to those children and all children in the United States in his words and actions in the days ahead. I hope he will welcome the ideas, dreams, and contribution of children throughout the United States from the start.