Ways to Comfort Kids After a Tragedy.

• Position: LIFE IN AMERICA

In an ever-dangerous world reported on by round-the-clock media, the emotional effects of major tragic events transcend local boundaries. They trouble the national psyche, bringing sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety throughout the country, and they can make a particularly heavy impact on children.

Such horrific news, for which there are no easy answers, often prompts questions from kids to their parents. Parenting specialists indicate that, while these tragedies are difficult to explain, it is vital that parents be especially tuned in to their children to help them through a period that can be confusing, scary, and traumatic.

"All parents want to protect their children from pain, including emotional pain," says Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, a family therapist and author of Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents. 'These crimes frighten and confuse all of us, regardless of age and whether or not the latest one happened near where we live. We want our kids to know that we're right there with them, and that we'll help them get through the mess of feelings they must be having."

Dolan-Del Vecchio gives four tips to help parents comfort their kids in the wake of national tragedies:

Listen. Children need a sounding board for their questions. "It would be great if there were magic words to take away their upset feelings, but there are none. There is a certain degree of magic, however, in just listening and reassuring our children that their feelings of shock, fear, and anger are normal--and when they ask questions about why people do...