When events unfold like the shooting in Aurora, Colorado, we know that the amount of media coverage can be overwhelming, particularly for children.

This is why we thought it was important to share with you Sesame Street‘s You Can Ask parent toolkit. In difficult situations, children experience stress and fear, just like adults. It can be hard for children to express their emotions. They may hide their own worries because they don’t want to add to a parent’s stress. Encourage your child to talk openly with you about the things that are bothering him or her.

If your child is showing signs of fear from what they’ve seen or heard on TV, it is important to help them work through these feelings rather than dismiss them.  Here are just some quick tips for helping children cope with stress:

• Be aware of your feelings – kids react to your emotions.
• Be patient, positive, and reassuring – children want to know that you’re there for them and that things will get better.
• Ask questions – let children know they can ask you questions
• Make the most of daily routines to talk things through.