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When the headlines are heavy, so are our hearts—and our conversations with our kids. In this episode of Odd Moms On Call, registered nurse and IBCLC Britt is joined by therapist Kara Kushnir, LCSW, and psychologist Jess Rabon, PhD, to unpack the realities of raising children in a climate marked by mass shootings, anti-LGBTQ legislation, rainbow crosswalk bans, and the endless scapegoating of marginalized communities.
Together, they dive into the twisted narratives that follow tragedies, the real statistics on violence, and how misinformation about trans identity and mental health only fuels stigma. They also explore how parents can keep kids safe, foster open dialogue, and raise empathetic humans despite fear-driven politics.
And of course, they end with a hot take: If politicians really cared about kids, they’d pass gun reform—not ban rainbow crosswalks.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Scapegoating hurts kids: Politicians and media often pin violence on LGBTQ+ identities or mental health rather than addressing real systemic issues like gun access.
- Statistics tell the truth: Over 98% of mass shooters are men, with trans individuals representing less than 0.1% of cases. Trans people are far more likely to be victims, not perpetrators, of violence.
- Mental health ≠ violence: Serious mental illness accounts for only 3–5% of violent acts. SSRIs do not cause mass shootings.
- Conversations matter: Parents can start with foundational, age-appropriate truths—like teaching empathy, inclusivity, and the importance of safe spaces.
- Connection is power: Fostering open communication, kindness, and community keeps kids grounded even in turbulent times.
🎧 Soundbites
- “If politicians really cared about protecting kids, they’d be passing gun reform—not banning rainbow crosswalks.”
- “Trans people aren’t the threat—they’re the scapegoat.”
- “Mental illness isn’t the cause of mass shootings. In fact, people with mental illness are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators.”
- “We don’t get to choose the world our kids are born into, but we do get to choose how we show up in it.”
- “At the end of the day, it’s about connection, empathy, and raising humans who know they are safe and loved.”
Got a hot take you want to share?
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