The United States is preparing for a transition of power from President Joe Biden to former President Donald Trump. As the days pass until new leadership takes over, many Black women are grappling with feelings of anxiety. According to exit polls following the 2024 election, 92 percent of Black women voted for democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris. For many, it wasn’t just a vote for their choice of political party. It was an election with deeper meaning as fears around Project 2025, attacks on public education and threats to reproductive rights loom.

Now, with election day in the past and the inauguration nearing, it can feel stressful just thinking about the future. Parents may be feeling especially vulnerable as they navigate the new landscape with their children’s futures in mind. While those feelings of anxiousness and fear are valid, the added stress can be harmful to your mental health. 21Ninety spoke to a therapist about what parents can do ahead of the transition of power to cope with some of those complicated feelings.

Handling Political Stress as a Parent

It’s common for parents to be glued to their mobile devices as they juggle their kid’s school events and extracurricular activities with their own work and social life. As parents check their emails and calendar, they may also find themselves navigating over to social media and their favorite news websites for a quick doom scroll. Licensed family therapist Brianna Rodgers suggests reducing the amount of noise you consume to help with some of the stress you may be feeling.

“This may look like limiting your screen time, limiting how much news you take in, muting or altogether unfollowing certain accounts that consistently promote fear and worry,” Rodgers suggested. “Even limiting how many conversations you entertain about the next presidency if you find them to be more anxiety-provoking than helpful.”

Rodgers says parents should be honest with themselves and do an internal review of the feelings they are experiencing.

“Consider what, if anything, was helpful for you the last time you felt that way,” Rodgers said. “Addressing yourself by remembering that there was once a time that you felt this way and overcame it. Trust that you can do it again.”

The therapist says community can play an important role in helping manage emotions during this time.

“Consider support groups, volunteer efforts, and even local political opportunities that can help you move toward being a part of the change you desire to see in the world,” Rodgers said.

Talking to Kids about the Political Landscape

How you talk to your children about the current political climate depends on their age and awareness level. If they have some understanding of what is currently happening in the country, invite open conversation about the world through their eyes. Rodgers says it may be hard to get young children or teens to open up. She suggests trying the following prompts to help:

  • If you could describe how you see the world today in 2-3 words, what would they be?
  • When you watch the news (online or on social media), how do you feel about it?
  • Sometimes, I feel ____ when I hear about bad things happening in the world. Do you ever feel that way?
  • When I get overwhelmed with the news, I tune out the noise for a little while. What helps you to take a break from the world?

As a parent, try getting comfortable with hard conversations and infuse them with love.

“Remember, you do not have to teach them everything in one day,” Rodgers explained. “Sprinkle in little life lessons along the way. Teaching can come in many forms – books, videos, 1:1 conversations, groups, movies, family meetings, and more. Decide what is age appropriate and go from there.”

Words of Encouragement for Parents

While many things are uncertain including the future of the world and other people, Rodgers says parents can always return to the fact that their love for their children is a constant.

“Your child’s assurance of their place in this world begins with the assurance of their place in your life,” Rodgers said. “Many things around them will change, but the foundational role you play in their life won’t be forgotten and will remain with them even when they’re apart from you.”

Rodgers reminds parents that every life lesson that they have imparted on their child will never be taken from them.

“Your impact in your child’s life is just as great if not greater than the rest of the world,” Rodgers said.

The therapist says she understands that when a person is worried about an issue it can easily become all-consuming. She urges parents to not pile those worries onto their children. Try to inform and educate without striking unnecessary fear.

“This world and presidency may bring many challenges, but don’t forfeit the strength that lies within you to manage anxiety with grace for others and compassion toward yourself,” Rodgers said. “Continue to do fun things with your children, don’t stifle their child-like joy, and add to their toolbox of skills along the way.”