Talk to Us: How Do You Help Your Kids Cope with Fear, Tragedy?

Many of us in Sammamish and Issaquah, and especially our kids, have been affected by recent local events and the stress that goes along with them.

This year, we've faced likely preventable accidents on the road and on the playground, a tragic teen suicide, the death of a beloved school resource officer, and now,Thursday, a threat of a shooting that certainly evokes images of fear for us as parents.

How do we, as parents and a community, support our kids through difficulties such as these? The parents and friends of Christian Knudsen have faced their personal tragedy by taking positive and public action, a great model for our children.

I'm wondering how you broach the subject at home. What ideas would you offer to your friends, neighbors, and community that can help kids deal with and learn from these events without becoming afraid to live their lives normally?

Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.