In the face of any tragedy getting a lot of media coverage, parents question what to tell their kids about the situation and how much. The main idea is to decide what information is age appropriate and not to focus completely on the tragedy, but what happens in the aftermath.
In a compilation of sayings by TV personality, Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers, he relays a story to address tragedies. "When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world."
In light of our ever-changing world, it is comforting to focus on the caring people who are helping and even better when we roll up our sleeves and become a helper ourselves!
It teaches our children how to help others and to take an active roll in the community as well.
So get out in the world and make it a better place!