What else is there to say about some of the garbage events that have been in the news lately? It makes me want to throw my phone (my source of news information) out the window and snuggle my young son for the next five to seven years (stopping only for food and bathroom breaks because priorities). Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, life (and my son) requires more from me than just my amazing snuggle powers, so I’ve been forced find ways to stay hopeful for my kid when I'm watching the news see the world as nothing more than a dumpster fire. I mean, I just can't help but feel like every other headline is about violence, racism, sexism, sexual assault or corruption. Oh, and global warming. Can't forget global warming.
I think every parent that pays even an ounce of attention to the news, can't help but feel (at least once) like they made a mistake, bringing an innocent child into a world that seems so cruel and chaotic. I have had that feeling more than once, only to feel guilty for said feeling because, no matter how horrific the world might seem, my kid is a source of light and happiness that makes every anxious feeling I have about the future seem manageable and even, at times, silly. The truth is, I doubt there's ever been a generation that hasn't been afraid for their children, and that realization only solidifies the inescapable fact that I need to remain hopeful, optimistic and strong for my son. I can feel very valid feelings of fear, to be sure, but I must also force myself to feel like things will only get better; partly because my son is in the world and, well, I believe they truly will.
Of course, if the fear and anxiety you're experiencing becomes detrimental, don’t settle for this list of ways to remain hopeful for your little; make sure you take care of yourself and check in with a mental health professional (I’ve been there, too). However, if what you need is a quick shake of the shoulders and proverbial cheek slap of joy, you can try these 15 ways to stay hopeful for your kid.