How many times did we say, “I can’t wait until after the election is over”. From the moment it started, this right here is the moment everyone longed for. You feel better, right?! If your social media feeds look anything like mine, it is as if the world is ending. Though if you ask me, it would have been that way regardless of who won!

This is the first election that I remember hearing parents comment on how traumatized their children were. Children literally crying about the prospect of who would be our next president.

What do we do now?

This is a teaching moment. Regardless of who you voted for. Who you wanted to be the next President. What your feelings are about the person that will be our next Commander in Chief. Your children are looking at you to determine what their reaction should be. Whether you realize it or not, you are teaching them right now!

Maybe they are learning how to handle disappointment. Fear. Uncertainty. All things that life will throw at them time and time again. How would you want them to react in those life situations?

Maybe they are learning about winning. Patriotism. Hope for the future. All things that you probably want for your child, and hope they will handle with grace. Show them what that looks like.

Regardless of where you stand after the election, it is time to show your children what it means to give someone a chance. Something you hope people will do for them. Something we hope they will do for others as they grow up.

Teach respect. The ability to agree to disagree. They need to see us all compromise, respect each other, and come together as a country. We have absolutely no idea what the next 4 years will bring. So show your kids that they will be OK. You will always protect them. We are the adults. Let us do the worrying about the state of the country.

In the meantime, at least give him a chance. We have all set the bar pretty low. If we have a little faith, maybe he will surprise us. Either way, the world doesn’t end today (or even in January).