No kidding on the preppers. Nothing wrong with doing it but you have to keep a sense of proportion. My father started in the late 60s believing that economic and government collapse was right around the corner. The paranoia associated with this is not good for very young kids; really any kids. In some ways, it is almost disappointing. Bottom line, no one can predict the future.
the other bottom line. the one you eluded to is that young kids or anyone should not dwell on negative stuff all the time. prepare for disaster but live your life like there is a thousand tomorrows