The world woke up this morning to the results of this close and highly anticipated election. For many, the outcome brings relief, but for millions of others, it brings a profound sense of loss and uncertainty about the future. This feeling of disappointment, worry, and grief is one that countless people of all ages are experiencing today.
As it happens, November is National Children’s Grief Awareness Month—a time when we often focus on supporting kids through loss. But today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the adults who are grieving too. It’s okay to feel deeply about things that matter to us, and today, those feelings are valid. Let’s explore how to work through these difficult emotions, especially for those of us who might also be helping young people understand and cope with their own responses to the election results.
I received this anonymous message today:
“Dear Auntie Angie,
How do I explain to my 5-year-old why mommy is so sad today? I just don’t know where to begin. My 9-year-old is also anxious about the election results and keeps asking questions like, "Are we safe?" and "Will everything be okay?" I want to help her feel more secure but don’t know where to start. I don’t know if we will actually be okay. How do I talk to my kids about this without adding to their stress…or mine?
—Stressed Out Parent”
Dear Stressed Out Parent,
First of all, thank you for reaching out and sharing your heart. It’s completely natural to feel lost when emotions run high, especially when our kids are watching and feeling their own version of this world right alongside us.
Sometimes, the heaviness we feel isn’t something we can—or even need to—hide from our children. Instead, we can show them how to walk through these feelings in healthy, open, and age-appropriate ways. Let’s talk about how.
1. Acknowledge What They See and Feel
Children are quick to pick up on emotions in the air. If Mommy is sad or if the news feels overwhelming, they notice. It’s okay to gently name this for them in a way that feels honest but simple.
For your 5-year-old, you might say, "Mommy feels sad today because sometimes grown-ups have worries too."
For your 9-year-old, you might add, "Things in the world can feel a little scary sometimes, even for grown-ups, but there are people working to make things better."
Naming the feeling gives it a safe place to live outside of us instead of letting it become a mystery. Kids can often handle more than we think, and giving them small, manageable bits of truth helps them feel included and grounded.
2. Create a "Peace Corner"
Having a cozy spot at home—a little chair with blankets or a small bean bag with a stuffed friend—can work wonders for a child’s sense of security. Invite your children to spend a few quiet minutes there when they feel sad, anxious, or scared. You can model this by sitting there yourself on tougher days, showing them that it’s normal for everyone to need a little time to breathe and be with their feelings.
Let them choose something comforting to have in their “peace corner.” It could be a drawing pad, a favorite book, or even a small pillow to hug. Remind them it’s okay to feel all kinds of emotions there—without needing to fix them right away.
3. Keep Routines (and Gentle Distractions) in Place
When life feels uncertain, routines become our anchors. Kids find comfort in knowing what to expect next—whether it’s a bedtime story, a weekend breakfast together, or a favorite song to start the day. Don’t be afraid to stick to your routines and even add in a few new ones to create positive moments.
If your 9-year-old is asking big questions that feel overwhelming, offer small comforts like, "I understand it feels a little scary right now. How about we go on a quick walk and find three things that make us smile? Maybe we can do this every day for a while? What do you think?"
Shifting the focus, even briefly, can help them reconnect with the sense of joy that still exists all around them.
4. Teach Simple Breathing Techniques
Breathing exercises can be incredibly soothing for children (and parents!).
Try this together: Sit down comfortably and place one hand on your belly and the other over your heart, close your eyes, and breathe in slowly through your nose. Hold it for a count of three, and then let it out slowly through your mouth. Feel each breath fill your chest and tummy as your breathing moves your hands. Repeat as many times as needed.
For younger children, you can make it a playful exercise: Imagine smelling a flower on the in-breath and then blowing out a candle on the out-breath.
Deep breathing brings a sense of calm to the body and helps children feel more in control of their emotions.
5. Offer Words of Reassurance, Even If You’re Not Sure of All the Answers
When your 9-year-old asks, "Are we safe? Will everything be okay?" you can offer an answer that is honest yet reassuring. Try something like, "Sometimes, even grown-ups don’t know exactly what will happen, but we’re doing everything we can to keep each other safe. And no matter what, we will face things together as a family."
You don’t need to have all the answers, and it’s okay to admit that uncertainty exists. What matters most is the promise of togetherness and love, which helps children feel safe and protected, even in an unpredictable world.
6. Create a Gratitude Practice Together
Start a small gratitude ritual to help refocus on what’s good, even on the hard days. Maybe each night at dinner or before bed, everyone shares one thing they are grateful for. It could be as small as "reading my favorite book" or as big as "having each other."
Remind your children that feeling thankful doesn’t make the tough feelings go away, but it gives us hope and reminds us of the good things we still have.
Final Thoughts
It’s okay not to have it all together. No one has all the answers. It’s okay to show your children how to handle hard days. By allowing yourself to express emotions and by modeling healthy coping mechanisms, you’re teaching your children that it’s safe to feel deeply and to trust that they, too, can find their way through. Remember, you’re not alone in this. And most importantly, the love, openness, and care you offer your children are more powerful than any uncertainty that comes your way.
You will get through this.
We will get through this together.
We can talk about hard things.
With love,
Auntie Angie
"Ask Auntie Angie" is a thoughts and advice column. The content provided is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice or counseling. Dreamshelf Press and its affiliates are not liable for any actions or outcomes based on the advice shared in this blog. Names may have been changed to protect the identities of the people and children in this story.