3 Lessons Donald Trump Can Help You Teach Your Kids
My girls were very interested in the 2016 presidential election. We watched the debates, listened to morning radio commentary, and Olivia even had a project for school. Alexandra’s school had a parent gathering to discuss concerns regarding the volatile nature of the campaigns and how it was impacting our children. No matter who you supported, I don’t think anyone can argue that this was an election season like one we’ve never seen.
A total non-politician, Donald Trump captured the country’s attention with his run for president. His campaign was been non-traditional. He prides himself on not being a politician. And whether you love him or hate him—there really is no in between—there are some life lessons Donald Trump, and his candidacy can help you teach your children.
Believe In Yourself Even When No One Else Does
At the beginning of his campaign, no one thought Donald Trump would make it this far. Not his Republican Party opponents. Not the general public. A former director of The Make America Great Again Super PAC alleges that even he didn’t think he’d make it this far. And yet, here he is; the President of the United States.
There will always be people who don’t believe in your children’s dreams. Sometimes, you may even be the one who has doubts. Teach them that even in the face extraordinary opposition, stay focused on their goals. Who knows, they may end up becoming president someday.
How To Manage Emotional Responses
Mr. Sniffles. That’s what Alexandra called The Donald during every presidential debate. And while most people were annoyed or grossed out by the thought that he needed to blow his nose, I don’t believe that was the case.
Mr. Trump was known to interrupt his opponents during the Presidential Debates. Many people—liberal, conservative and independent—began to view him as impatient and inconsiderate. I believe the sniffing, which he only seemed to do during the debates against Hillary Clinton, was an effort to maintain his composure. He did not want to appear too harsh against a female opponent.
Help your children to understand what their triggers are. When they begin to feel out of control, have them take a few deep breaths. This will slow down their brain and body and give them time to think about what they are doing.
Once You Say It You Can’t Take It Back
Whoever said “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” was wrong on ALL accounts. Just wrong. This campaign has made public many things Donald Trump said that he thought were private statements. This campaign has made some things public that I wish had stayed private. I think we all have learned, assume the mic is always on and assume the someone is always recording.
The following NSFW (not safe for work) video is a parody of just one “behind closed doors” statement that was made public. It’s been said that all press is good press, but I think this is a great lesson in being mindful to choose your words carefully. Or they will come back to haunt you. And once they’ve been said you can’t take them back.
What other takeaways have you shared with your children this election season?
My kids learned (and are still learning) some very good examples of how NOT to treat women, minorities, undocumented people, and pretty much everyone in general. And yes, Donnie is a great way to show kids that what you say, good and bad, stick around forever. It’s unfortunate that the example of “how not to be a good human” is our president. My kids were and are devastated and very emotional about how someone with such an ugly personality could be elected to protect our country and constitution. It is hard not to be cynical and disgusted.
Agreed. We continue to learn new lessons daily.
This is a great post. I love the tips! I would have never thought I could use orange head’s behavior to teach a lesson to my kid.
While I had not considered ANY of these points you list, I see where you’re going. I’m not sure if this was written before his inauguration or after, but it’s hard to see the positive in this man afferent being so divisive to our nation. It will take some time before we believe how genuine people say he is and many apologies.
There’s a lesson to be learned in every circumstance. It’s great to teach your children how to deal with adversity.
Can I just say that you have made the most deliciously tasting lemonade from the lemons of “Trumpisms” with which our country has had to endure (and unfortunately will continue to endure) since he announced his plans to pursue the country’s highest political office? I actually smiled as I read this! This is a very positive way to view an otherwise horrific ordeal, especially for children.
These are great takeaways from the election. Great tips for teaching children (and adults) tactics for managing emotional responses.
This is a unique way to look at the campaign. This is proof positive that you can learn lessons from the good and bad.
Interesting perspective. I hadn’t thought about anything positive that could be taught to my son about this election. Im going to ask him what he thinks
This is a good example of making every moment a positive teaching moment.
Anitra, I guess there are a few things we can learn from candidate Trump. My hope is that President Trump will take some time to learn a few things about treating all people with dignity and kindness. Whether he wants the role or not, he is now a role model for boy and girls across this nation. You can’t take that job lightly.
You know, when I read the title I was thinking what good can come from Trump? But you really tied in some good messages here.
This is an interesting perspective on how we can choose to interpret the actions of this individual and use them as life lessons our children can adopt.
Great pointers. I love how you turn everything around. There’s always something to learn regardless of how a situation has turned out. I will definitely be sharing this with my family.
Always a lesson to be learned. Even if it’s what not to do.
Treat everybody with dignity and respect. That bad people elevate bad people.
Both great lessons for them to learn.
Such good points! Definitely sharing with my husband and kids.
Great! Hopefully we can all learn something from all this.
Great Points! It so important that every experience or example somehow be a learning experience. I love how you turned everything around.
Every opportunity is a chance to learn something. Even if it’s what not to do.
These are really good tips. I think this is a great way to teach kids a positive take on very serious issues. I like the tip you suggest for teaching children you can’t take it back. It’s important for children to understand words have power. We have to choose our words wisely and think before we act/react.
My next post will be on emotional intelligence and strategies to help us better manage our responses.
So far my kids have just learned that the world isn’t fair, and even if you are better, the louder guy still could win. I’m going to ask them if they learned anything positive from Trump’s campaign, just to see.
I had to point out these lessons to my children. Other things they have learned were not quite so positive.
All good points, Anitra! I remember my very first class of fifth graders. All of the boys wanted to be pro basketball players. I couldn’t in good conscious let them believe that they’d all make it to the pros. Then my mentor teacher said, “Let them dream. Sometimes dreams are all we have.” I wonder if Donald Trump even wants to be president.
According to many, no he really didn’t. I’m sure at this point though, he’s committed.
The most important lesson of all is that you can’t take back the words you say. I love your perspective in this post.