If your kids have heard about the shooting in
#1.) Turn Off the News. If you have CNN running on a loop all day, young kids might misunderstand and think the shooting is happening over and over again. So make sure they understand it's NOT, and that the guy who did it is gone now.
#2.) Encourage Them to Ask Questions. Obviously, you don't need to tell them all the details. And you shouldn't force them to talk about it. But maybe just ask if they've heard what happened, and go from there.
Older kids might act cool like it doesn't bother them. And if it really doesn't, that's okay. But a good way to get them talking is to ask what their friends have been saying about it.
#3.) Put It in Perspective. Make sure they know this isn't something that happens all the time. Young kids might need some reassurance that they're safe, and they don't have to worry when they go to school each day.
#4.) Don't Tell Them That What They're Feeling Is Wrong. A young kid might tell you they're happy because no one they know was hurt. And if they say something like that, don't feel like you have to explain why they should be sad. Just be supportive, and tell them you're glad too. But you're sad for the people who did get hurt.
Check out more ways here.





