1m2aSandbox

Maddie came home from school a little upset yesterday. Apparently some of her classmates asked her who she wanted to win the election, and when she told them, “almost all” her friends proceeded to tell her how bad her choice was, and what a terrible person he is, and how bad (BAD!) she is to like him.

When the election first started cranking up in August, we had a long talk with Maddie – that she instigated - and let her know what was going on and how things would work. We made it very clear that everyone has a right to an opinion, and we will not make people feel bad if their opinions don’t line up with ours. We also said in no uncertain terms that anyone running for president deserves respect, and we have to trust that they are honestly doing what they think is best. Likewise, anyone who IS president deserves respect – respect for the office, if not for his ideas and policies.

The way Maddie’s classmates responded to her is not something they just made up: it was learned, either at home or out in the world. And while I appreciate this opportunity for some hard but necessary teaching, I am glad that this thing is winding up.

Time to start healing.