This morning, I woke up like any other day, thinking about my usual to-dos: getting the kids moving, tackling my work list, and the small tasks that keep life together. But then, that lingering thought crept in: “I need to find out who won the election.” I wasn’t in a rush—after all, the results were out of my hands—but then my teenage son texted me the answer, and suddenly, it was all too real.
In an instant, a wave of emotion hit me, hard and fast. Anxiety, fear, and uncertainty settled in, and for a bit, I was overwhelmed. I knew why I was upset, but the intensity of my reaction caught me off guard. It wasn’t just me I was worried about. it was the future I wanted for my kids, for my family, and for the world my son and daughter will inherit. My post election blues gave me a gut punch I was not prepared for.
As moms, we’re used to putting on a brave face, especially in challenging times.
Normally, I’d slip into “tough mom” mode, assuring everyone else that things will be okay. But today, even as I tried to steady myself, I found it hard to summon that familiar resilience. It was clear that this moment—this election—tapped into something deeper.
I wrestled with my own sense of security and with the dreams I have for my two teenagers who are about to step into adulthood. What kind of world will they find waiting? What have I been working for all these years?
Many of us are feeling this wave of anxiety and uncertainty. Post election blues are a real thing. This election has brought to the surface real concerns about the future of our democracy, the rights and values we hold dear, and the world we’re shaping for our children. The stakes feel high, and while I know fear is natural, I also know I need to be there for my kids—to help them stay hopeful and focused on their own futures, even if the world feels unpredictable.
So here I am, trying to navigate my post election blues with purpose and balance. I know that fear isn’t the end—it’s a signal that something I deeply value is at risk. And that realization can give me direction.
As we process this moment, I think it’s essential to find a path that balances our well-being with a commitment to the values that make this country what it is.
Here are five things I’m working on with my family to help us move through our post election blues, and I hope they might help you too.
1. Create Space for Emotions
Give yourself and your kids permission to feel. Whether it’s sadness, frustration, anxiety, or rage, acknowledging emotions instead of brushing them aside is a powerful first step. I’ve found that talking openly with my kids about how I’m feeling gives them permission to be open with me, too.
I remind myself that my kids and other teenagers are thinking about their futures constantly. They’re beginning to dream, make plans, and think about the world they’ll step into as adults. Are they feeling worried too? Are they wondering if their dreams will still be possible?
By opening up about my own feelings and working on realistic positivity, I let them know that no matter what comes, we’ll get through it together.
2. Set Boundaries with Exposure
Find a balance between staying informed and becoming overwhelmed by doom scrolling. If news and social media increase your stress, consider setting a specific time each day to check updates. I like to watch the previous night’s news in the morning to get the main headlines without diving into constant notifications or endless scrolling.
Staying informed is important, but nonstop updates can make anxiety worse. Stick to trusted news sources, do your own research, and remember to prioritize mental breaks—whether through exercise, meditation, or simply spending time with loved ones.
3. Plan Family Activities
Focus on family activities that encourage connection, creativity, and joy. During uncertain times, simple things like a family walk, a board game night, or a favorite movie can be grounding. Being together in these small ways strengthens our internal support system, reminding each of us that we’re not alone in whatever lies ahead.
Lighthearted moments offer a break from the weight of worry, letting us reconnect and stay positive. These simple rituals of togetherness help us stay grounded, even when the world outside feels anything but.
4. Discuss Civic Engagement
Talk with your kids about the importance of civic engagement. Democracy isn’t just about elections and voting; it’s an ongoing process that relies on active, engaged citizens. Discussing the value of civic involvement helps them see that they, too, have a voice and can make a difference, even in small ways.
This is an empowering way to reframe feelings of helplessness. Whether it’s supporting a cause, volunteering, or simply staying informed, taking small actions can remind them (and us) that we’re part of a bigger picture. They can play a role in shaping the future they want to see.
5. Build Resilience and Perspective
Draw strength from past generations who faced difficult times. History is full of examples of resilience, of people standing firm to protect democratic values in the face of hardship. Reflecting on those stories helps us put today’s challenges in perspective, reminding us that we have the power to safeguard democracy now, too.
This also means treating others with respect and listening to those who may see things differently.
Building resilience isn’t just about standing firm in our beliefs—it’s about understanding that, collectively, we’re stronger when we approach each other with compassion and an open mind.
Let’s hold to our values and support each other, whatever the future may bring.
6. Move Forward Together
Together, we can acknowledge this moment for what it is, not as an ending but as a call to protect and cherish the future for our kids. And if that means showing vulnerability along the way, so be it. Sometimes, the best way to lead is to let our children see us struggle and learn right alongside them, holding tight to hope and courage for a future we’ll shape together.
We’re at a turning point, not just for ourselves but for our kids and the world they’ll inherit. This moment may feel like the end of something, but it’s also a powerful call to protect and cherish what we value most.
While we navigate our post election blues, let’s commit to the values we hold dear, to hope and work for a brighter future, and to shape the path forward—together.
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