1 Mother 2 Another

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.