6 Ways to reassure teens during political change

At the moment there is a lot of political uncertainty with the elections in France and United Kingdom, and also with the upcoming elections in the United States. While elections are part of what makes our societies democratic, they can also be a cause for anxiety for those who fear change, or who do not agree with the policies of the new political leader.

This can be especially acute in younger generations, who might be uncertain about how the political process works, or about the consequences of the elections. This was recently highlighted to me when my 16-year-old son asked me what I thought of the newly elected British Labour Party prime minister, and should he be afraid.

It made me realize that as our children have so much access to what's going on in the world, they may need help in interpreting the meaning of any change, and some reassurance to help them feel more at ease.

Here are just a few ways to help your teens or young adult children navigate times of political uncertainty:

It’s important to get them to share how they feel with you, or even their teachers or other family members if they prefer. However, if they do open up, be sure to listen and support them. Don't brush off their fears; rather, try and reassure them through your own experiences of political change in your lifetime.

It's often the case that young people might have radically different political opinions from their parents. Don't focus on differences; rather, encourage them to be curious and to learn more about the different political parties and how they align with their own values and beliefs. Really try and understand their position and concerns and express your delight that they're taking an interest in what's going on in their world.

Explain to your children that there are many things in the world that we cannot control, but we can always control our actions and attitudes. This can be reflected in their behavior at school, at home, and how they treat others with kindness. This attitude can have a ripple effect and can make a real difference to someone's life. While your kids might not be able to change a government, having a positive impact on just one person's life can be very fulfilling.

Of course, you can also encourage your kids to write to government leaders or politicians, local or national, if they have a cause that's close to their heart that they feel is being overlooked or badly dealt with. In this way they know they've tried to have their voice heard.

Remind them that their faith can be a source of strength. Taking a moment to pray, reflect, or simply sit quietly can help bring peace to their heart. Point out that God is always with them, guiding and protecting them. You can also encourage them to seek the intercession of saints who were able to effect political change, such as St. Catherine of Siena.

Even in uncertain times, as St. Thérèse de Lisieux believed, there are always small moments of joy and beauty around us. Playing with friends, enjoying a favorite hobby, or spending time with family can bring happiness and remind them of the good in their lives.

It’s good to know what’s happening in the world, but it’s also important not to get overwhelmed by too much information. Try and get them to find the balance between being switched on but knowing when to switch off. You can also encourage them to follow more positive news stories on accounts such as Good News Movement, and of course, the many inspiring stories that we share here at Aleteia!

Ultimately, changes are a part of life, and we can face them together with hope and courage. Be sure to emphasize to your children that they're never alone.