Last night we shocked and stunned, not only ourselves, but the world by electing Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. His fear mongering and bullying somehow shaped the way the US people voted when choosing a leader.The President of the United States should be an embodiment of who we are as a people. It is impossible to think that the leader of the free world is someone who believes that a woman's body is not her own, that it is not okay to be different, that a disabled person is someone to be resented and scorned and punished. It is inconceivable that a man who lies, whines and pouts like a child until he gets his way in now the President of the United States.
Yet, here we are.
As bleak as that sounds, there is something to be taken away from this catastrophe. When explaining to the children of this nation that they should be a kind, understanding person there is a clear example of what NOT to do.
Bullying and intimidation were ever present during Trump's campaign. It is an important and ever present issue in the school yard, as well. Parents and teachers must protect children from the brutal behavior of other children and adults, but also explain why that behavior is not the best way to go.
The new POTUS has been recorded to say that it was okay to grab women by their genitals whether they like it or not. "Keep your hands to yourself" is a basic principle that should be taught to children. It is the idea that a friend somehow belongs to them that the issue starts. Caregivers must teach children that their bodies belong to themselves and that they have a right to refuse any form of physical contact no matter who wants to give it.Trump has also been seen mocking and belittling the disabled on national television. Those that are disabled need our compassion, understanding and, in some cases, our help. Model that behavior. Hold open doors, say excuse me and ask someone if they need help if they seem like they need it. Do not allow children to mock and disrespect those who are different than themselves.
Again and again, Trump has demonstrated contempt for Blacks, Muslims, Hispanics, Jews, immigrants from around the world - anyone who differs from himself. Counteract this inexcusable behavior by incorporating inclusion and the celebration of aspects that are different from themselves. Acceptance and tolerance for those that come from a different background and the understanding that that individuality is to be honored and respected will help lay the foundation for kind and understanding adults.
Every child knows not to tell lies. Yet, this basic knowledge has somehow escaped our new president. In homes and schools the emphasis of always being truthful is important. It teaches children accountability and the value of being transparent and clear when interacting with peers and adults.
Parents shape and mold the children around them. We must teach tolerance and acceptance to the youth of the nation. They may not seem it, but our children are always watching and submitting the behaviors of the adults around them to memory. In this crisis, we must be mindful of our own behavior. We must counteract the negative behavior of our president with the positive behavior we so wish to see in our youth.Be kind. Be understanding. Be transparent. Remember, that it is in the every day behaviors that change is made.
In the words of Michelle Obama, "When they go low, we go high."
