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The Kids Are Not Alright - In this episode, we dive into the complex, often heartbreaking world of childhood trauma and its lasting impact on today's generation. With a world that feels increasingly unsafe—whether it's the fear of school shootings, the threat of violence in public spaces, or the unsettling news cycle—our kids are facing challenges that many of us never could have imagined growing up.

Reflecting on the past, we discuss how our own childhoods were shaped by events like the Challenger disaster and Columbine, events that left emotional scars but weren’t part of the daily background noise. But today's kids are living in a world where safety is constantly in question, leading to profound effects on their emotional regulation, memory, and stress response.

Through the lens of neuroscience, we explore how chronic exposure to stress and fear can physically alter a child's brain, particularly the areas that control emotions and stress responses, leaving them more sensitive to threats—even when they’re safe. What does this mean for their learning, social interactions, and overall mental health?

We also examine the terrifying reality for immigrant children—both legal and undocumented—who face daily threats and uncertainty, amplifying the trauma they experience. And with cuts to essential programs like Head Start and public education, how will these kids find stability in a world that seems to offer none?

Join us as we unpack the science behind childhood trauma, the societal implications, and the urgent need for change to protect and nurture the next generation.

https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/why-are-kids-struggling-with-anxiety-more-than-ever/

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/04/18/a-majority-of-u-s-teens-fear-a-shooting-could-happen-at-their-school-and-most-parents-share-their-concern/#:~:text=Overall%2C%2057%25%20of%20teens%20say,are%20not%20at%20all%20worried.

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/working-paper/persistent-fear-and-anxiety-can-affect-young-childrens-learning-and-development/

https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/making-difference/inspiring-stories/anxiety-and-its-impact-learning#:~:text=Fight%2Dflight%20responses%20can%20inhibit,overall%20flexibility%20in%20one's%20thinking.