Adults and children who learn of

tragedies are likely to struggle

with feelings of fear,

helplessness and guilt, experts

say.

Certain places, such as schools,

are expected to be safe.

But that

is not always so.

Tragedies such

as the slayings of schoolchildren

reinforce a sense of vulnerability.

Parents, feeling

helpless, may

become frightened for their

children, restrictive,

overprotective and

afraid to let

them out. Children may

worry that

a tragedy will befall them.

Here is some advice for dealing

with these feelings. Adults

should:

Resist the temptation to

overprotect children. Be strong

and set an example.

Confront the issue squarely

with children if they

are confident

the children are old

enough to

understand.

Talk to children,

explain what

happened and try not to disguise

or avoid it. Kids likely

will hear

about it.

Note that this is something

done by bad people, and the

purpose may be to make others

feel like prisoners.

Reassure children. Say such

events are rare.

Source: Free Press Interviews

– Free Press Interviews