How to talk with kids about school shootings and other traumatic events

The U.S. is dealing with another school shooting: Two students and two teachers were killed at a school in Georgia. A school shooting like the one on Wednesday can affect all kids, even if they didn't know anyone involved. So experts encourage parents to have conversations with their children and not avoid the topic, if kids indicate a willingness to talk about it. Guidance from the National Association of School Psychologists notes younger children need simple information and reassurances their schools and homes are safe. Older children could benefit from hearing about what agency they might have to keep themselves safe. Reassure kids their feelings are normal and they don't have to pretend to be unaffected.