Welcome back to the savvy psychologist. I'm Dr. Ellen Hendrickson and I'll help you meet life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

We'll use the best of psychology to help you be happy, healthy, and most importantly, yourself.

From 9-11 to the Boston Marathon bombings to ISIS,

violence and terrorism, sadly,

are part of growing up in our world today. How do we explain such a world to our

kids? I certainly don't claim to have all the answers but I can help you feel more

confident fielding kids questions. To that end here are 13

tips to talk to kids about terrorism and other violence. So we'll work our way

through the age groups from pacifiers and pull-ups to acne and angst.

Whether your children are nursing or shaving, your primary goal is to help them feel safe.

So tip number one, for preschool and young school-age children, prevention is best.

As is developmentally appropriate, the line between fact and fantasy is fuzzy for young kids.

So in order to prevent needless fears and nightmares, keep the TV turned off when they're

present.

Likewise, put off high emotion conversations or inflammatory radio about recent events until they're out of

earshot. You may think they're not even paying attention, but little kids are like sponges.

They absorb everything. So get your news about ISIS at work, or after the little ones have gone to bed.

Tip number two, if you do walk in to find your preschooler staring at disturbing footage on TV,

stay calm. Simply say, hey, preschool are staring at disturbing footage on TV.

Stay calm.

Simply say, hey, let's give the TV a rest.

Turn it off and then gently redirect.

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