Explaining the school shooting to your kids

NEWTOWN, Conn. (WWLP) - Trying to understand a senseless act is difficult but for children it's even harder to understand. 22News spoke with parents in Western Massachusetts who are struggling to explain the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut to their own kids.

The horrific shooting on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut left the world stunned. And experts say children will need extra care in processing the events and may ask what's going on.

“He did ask and we wanted him to know, we wanted him to be prepared in case anything happens at least he can try and protect himself as much as he can.  Obviously in this instance no one was able to protect the children or the adults themselves,” said Ramona Quintana of Springfield.

Psychiatrists recommend parents keep a normal routine and turn off the TV and other media around children.

And when discussing the tragedy to keep the conversation age appropriate and simple. Some told us they would stress the rarity of something like this.

“The chances of something like this happening are very remote and the parents have to teach their children how to react to different situations to protect themselves,” said Paul Gaudette of West Springfield.

And these incidents are rare but kids can comprehend that sometimes people do bad things.

Experts say parents should ensure children they're safe and parents should demonstrate it by remaining secure and calm.

And that extra hug could show your affection for that concerned child.

“I held him all day yesterday, I didn't want to let him go, it's hurtful,” said Sasha Sellez of West Springfield.

Of course, the conversations should be age appropriate.