The California wildfires are heart-wrenching and while we feel pulled to stay informed, it is important to shield our little ones from this kind of news. Small children do not have the tools to process heavy or frightening content. They think in concrete terms, so seeing wildfires on TV might make them believe the danger is right outside.
Constantly viewing threatening images and acts of violence produce episodes of stress that increases a child's heart rate and blood pressure as well as the production of stress hormones.
Even with the explanations, their young brains can't fully grasp distance or context leading to unnecessary fear and anxiety. Research shows traumatic images can increase stress hormones in kids, disrupting their sleep, appetite, and focus.
The elevated stress levels may last longer than in an adult, interrupting the natural processes needed for healthy brain development.
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