When I first heard the news about the tragedy in Las Vegas, I thought to myself “not again!” How could this still be happening? As more information was released, my heart grew heavy for all the victims and families that have been affected by the shooting. As I dropped my girls off at daycare, I looked into their innocent faces and started wondering how the heck I was going to tell them about this. None of it makes sense. Where would I begin? How do I possibly respond when they inevitably ask why there are bad people in the world?

I still don't have the answers to all those questions even as I sit here writing to you all. I surfed around to see if anybody online could help. I did find some comfort in THIS article by Tyler Miller. He suggests taking in as much information as you can and process it the only way you know how. Prepare yourself for the questions that your children might ask. Tell the truth and ask them what they know. Obviously, pre-teens and teenagers will respond differently as compared to younger children, so be prepared.

And though it might be difficult, take away any distractions. Turn off the TV. Shut off the iPad. Take the time and have a real family conversation. Doing so will help everyone (including you) to wrap your heads around what happened and, in time, move forward.

Will the events of Las Vegas change the way concerts and outdoor events are put on? Time will tell. But hopefully we can come together and help those in need.

And remember what Mr. Rogers said so eloquently: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’


 

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