Local counseling experts offer advice on how to talk with children about tragedies | News [Video]

How do you talk with children about tragedies like the New Orleans truck attack? Pam Clasgens, Community Awareness and Prevention Director with the National Children’s Advocacy Center says just start simply. Ask them what they have they heard about it.

“Let them talk,” said Clasgens. “Listen. Allow for silence. They may talk for a little but then pause. Don’t feel like you need to fill that in, and be patient while they talk about it.”

Clasgens says for younger children, it’s best to limit their exposure to pictures and stories. Teenagers have probably seen and heard plenty about New Orleans already if they’ve been on their phones. Clasgens says to ask them how they feel about it. And if they don’t want to talk now, try again later.

“Certainly, we don’t want to force kids to talk about it,” said Clasgens. “But really, what you’re doing is opening the door, …