We are safe, but our bodies don't believe us

Our bodies are trying to keep us safe from enemies that no longer exist.

Our bodies use ancient alarm systems to keep us on the path to reproduction.

We hear these alarm systems any time we experience emotion.

These alarms are much louder than they need to be.

To quiet the alarms, we can alter our perception of the world through reason and evidence.

This will prevent us from unnecessarily fatiguing our biological survival alarms, because we may actually need them someday!

Why is this important? Humans are a social species. If one human feels unsafe, his close associates have evolved to detect that feeling and resonate with it. Our emotions are contagious. Those with incorrect views about the worlds safety are unknowingly leaving a wake of unconcious anxiety wherever they go. They leave no one feeling safer, and this leads us to think there is a predator about. When we  cant find one, we assume they are hiding just out of our vision. This is a stressful way to live, and leaves us open to actual predators who seek to exploit us for our inexplicable fears.

This is why I am focusing on raising my kids to see the world as a safe place. Perceived safety tells the body that it is safe to dedicate resources to the critical thinking part of the brain. This transcends tribal identity as well as individual survival instincts. Individuals are more rational and in control than tribal groups. The world needs less tribes and more individuals. Fear activates "survive" at the expense of "thrive".

Parents are environmental cues for their kids. Are you a worried parent? Your kid will be worried. Are you angry as a parent? Your kid will be angry. Are you at peace with yourself and accepting of the variety of human experience? Your kid will be all those things as well.

Send your kids peaceful signals, and they will adapt for reality. This is the most peaceful and magnificent time in the history of humanity. Don't lie to your kids explicitly or implicitly by sending signals that the world is unsafe.

To summarize:

We are safe. Predators are few and far between. Raise your children accordingly and they will thrive. Remind yourself regularly and you, too, will thrive.