About Last Week...

How to Start the Conversation

I know this can feel a bit overwhelming as a parent, but I’m hoping that by sharing how we’re talking as a family, it might help you navigate your own conversations.

I've been thinking a lot about how our kids see and hear about elections and politics—often more than we might realize. It might feel easier to shield them from all the noise, but in all honesty… moments like these are opportunities to guide them.

We all want to raise compassionate, informed citizens. Helping our kids understand why voting matters, why we stand by our values, and how to think critically about what they hear and see can truly make a difference.

The bottom line is this:

Respectful behavior is a must.

No matter the political climate- politics doesn’t change who we are or what we stand for at home or in our community. Start the converation by discussing some of these topics.

More Than Just Two Choices

• Politics isn't limited to two parties or candidates; there are several with different ideas.

• Teaching kids that there’s more to politics than "red vs. blue" broadens their understanding. 

• While Democrats and Republicans are the most talked about, other groups exist too, like Green party and Independents.

Only Some People Can Participate

• Not everyone is eligible to vote—kids, some people with legal restrictions, or those in certain territories can’t vote.

States Make Their Own Rules

• Different states have different voting rules, some making it easy to vote, others adding barriers. 

• Show them how voting laws vary by state to introduce the idea of “state rights”.

Popular Vote Isn’t Everything

• Even if the majority votes for one person, they may not always win due to the electoral system. 

• If your kids are in school, you can use the school election as an example, explaining that the principal has the final say.

Encouraging Thoughtful Conversations

• Create a space where kids feel safe asking questions and expressing their thoughts.

• Start with simple Q’s like, “What do you notice?”, “What do you think about this?” to help them process and engage with the topic.

It’s okay to keep things simple.

Just focus on sharing the basics in a way they can understand. These conversations aren’t always easy, but I know they’re helping our kids grow up with empathy, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.

A Letter I Wrote to My Kids

Riri / Mimi / Kai Kai…

We know you may be disappointed with the election results.

We don’t always win in life and neither do the candidates we support.

It is important to think about why Trump won. We think in part it reflects how badly people are hurting, trying to improve their lives, and are looking for change. Let’s talk about what you think.

Most importantly, we want you to understand we are in a democracy… this is awesome! We vote for our leaders just like you do in your elections at school.

Trump will win both the electoral and popular vote. That means many people (the majority) voted for him and his ideas.

While we don’t agree with some of his policies and his leadership style, we respect the office of the President, we value our democracy, and we have deep love for this country.

It’s up to each of us to keep pushing ahead - serving others and making the biggest impact we can on each other, our community, and the world.

Like we always say, when we get knocked down, we get back. And we keep working.

We love you. ❤️

Moments From DC

Celebrating Diwali at the White House was an unforgettable reminder of the importance of unity, especially during election season. Diwali is all about unity, light, and love, and it was inspiring to see so many people come together to honor these values. Seeing South Asian traditions celebrated on such a stage shows how representation can inspire and unite us all. ✨