Talking Tragedy: How to Explain Recent Shootings to Children

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- In less than a month's time, two mass shootings have shaken the U.S.

While adults try to wrap their minds around the tragedies, children are often hearing about these kinds of senseless crimes for the first time and have even more of challenge understanding them.

"It's difficult for adults to deal with it and understand it," says Susan Henderson, a psychologist with Burrell Behavioral Health.

They have a hard time explaining to young minds just how someone can cause so much hurt.

"If we're talking about it, if the news is on, and just because they didn't run through the room and stop and stare at the TV, doesn't mean they didn't hear it."

Henderson says parents may be surprised just how much kids pay attention to news like the recent mass shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin.

"Our job as parents is to listen and to see what questions kids have."

While parents may not know how to respond, Henderson says sticking to the facts is best.

"Something really bad happened; a bad person came in and hurt some people."

And reassuring them the likelihood they are in harm's way is slim.

"That happened a long way away," adds Henderson. "There was a bad person. The police have caught that person. We're safe here."

While parents cannot predict when tragedy hits the airwaves, they can help keep kids' minds on the matter at ease.