Alison Park writes: "A few more resources for educators, parents/guardians, youth... heck, for anyone who's not just disappointed with "losing" this election, but emotionally, morally and socially anxious about what this election portends for the liberty and safety of all, not just some, people in the US. "
(Image via VictorMM/Pixabay)
I was most interested in the link to "The Stories That Bind Us" that Alison provided. I read Alison's post just after reading this essay by Jacqueline Woodson about speaking with her son after the election. She reassures him that they (we) will get through what seems like a harsh and regressive political climate by telling him, “You come from people who have always made a way out of no way." That is the essence of the study by Dr. Duke and Dr. Fivush--the resilience built by a family's unifying narrative. As Alison mentions and I believe, that unifying narrative can be built around more than the nuclear family, especially for those of us graced with long-term friends. I believe my daughter feels rooted in several of my friendships more than she does with some family members, but what's important is that she has roots in that narrative.