Johnson County, Kansas – Stephanie Hyde, a mother of four ages 12, 14, 16 and 19, says the surge of negative political advertisements during the current election cycle is creating a stressful environment at home. “The ads have become really overwhelming and intense,” Hyde told local reporters.

Balancing news exposure with family life

Hyde explained that her family usually watches the morning news while getting ready for work and school, leaving little time for immediate conversation about the content. “We don’t often get the chance to have those conversations right there in the moment,” she said.

Expert advice from Johnson County Mental Health Center

Sierra Wright, Community Prevention Manager at the Johnson County Mental Health Center, acknowledges that shielding children completely is impossible, but emphasizes the power of parental response. “We set the tone for how our kids view things by the way we react and respond,” Wright said.

Wright advises parents to pause before answering children’s questions about political ads. She suggests asking open‑ended questions such as:

• How did that political ad make you feel?
• What do you think the ad was trying to tell us?
• What values are important to you?

These prompts help children process emotions without being steered toward a particular viewpoint. Wright added that a parent’s presence and safe space are “huge protective factors” against negative outcomes like suicide or substance use.

Turning tough moments into teaching opportunities

Hyde says she uses the emotional reactions sparked by ads as a chance to teach her children about respectful dialogue and critical thinking. “We talk about how to speak about other people, how to handle opposing messages, and when it’s appropriate to speak out,” she explained.

She hopes these conversations will shape future citizens who can engage thoughtfully in public life. “One day they will be our constituents,” Hyde said.

Community response

Other parents in the area echo Hyde’s concerns, noting that the constant barrage of negative messaging makes it harder to discuss politics calmly at the dinner table. Local schools and community groups are being asked to provide resources for families navigating these challenges.

Wright encourages families to seek out mental‑health resources if they feel overwhelmed, noting that the county offers counseling and workshops focused on media literacy and emotional resilience.

Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.