Talking to Your Gifted Child About World Events

Is your gifted child highly sensitive and aware of what is going on in the world around them? Does he or she have a great concern for others and worry about issues such as social justice, world hunger, and the state of our planet? These tendencies are very common in this population of students, and so this election cycle has taken a toll on many. 

If your child has concerns, please address them as factually and objectively as you can. Reassure them that, although right now people are divided regarding the results of this election, we will get through it. Minority children especially - and those who have friends who are minorities - may worry about the future, but remind them that as long as we work together, our country can have a future as bright and wonderful as we make it. 

The tensions children see between family members, friends, and neighbors can be frightening. When you reach out to others, you set an example for children on how to agree to disagree, how to advocate for policies and laws in a respectful manner, and how to live in peace in the greater community. We must all be role models to our children - both in victory and in defeat - for how democracy works.