At a time when parents are searching for answers themselves, many can't find the words to assuage their children's fears about the recent terrorist attacks and their aftermath. Angela Hamblen, bereavement specialist, Baptist Trinity Hospice, offers some advice on what to say. 

  Conversations should be age appropriate, but in general, spending time together as a family is very important right now; a parent's touch (and voice) is very calming.

For children of pre-school, kindergarten and primary school age:

• Limit TV viewing.
• Do extra things together, such as reading a bedtime story.
• Talk about the situation if your child does.
• Your child may not understand the complexity of the situation; watch for signs, such as fighting or aggressive forms of play.
• Give children the opportunity to think of ways to contribute to the community.

With teens (junior high and high school age):

• Parents should initiate the conversation and allow the child or teen to express feelings of anger, hatred or revenge.
• Talk about your own fears.
• Encourage ideas for helping and being part of the relief effort; your child or teen needs to feel he or she has a purpose.