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Mom's Talk: With The Attacks On Norway And It's Coverage On TV, How Do You Explain To Your Children What Happened?

Need some parenting advice?

Each week in Moms Talk, the Haverford-Havertown Patch’s Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with: With the attacks on Norway and it's coverage on TV, how do you explain to your children what happened?

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Denise (mother of 1): Given my child's age, I don't allow her to watch the news. It is my job as her mother to protect her from imagines and stories that are difficult to comprehend; and as an adult, I'm having a hard time processing this myself. However, if she were to hear about the attacks in Norway, I would let her know that sometimes people disagree with the government and they do things that are wrong and dangerous to make a statement. She learned about the attacks on September 11, 2001 this year in school, so I would relate the two. I would let her know that things like this make the news because they are so rare and that the man responsible was arrested so she understands that every action has a consequence.

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Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Emily (mother of 2): I have very young children who do not watch the news and are not aware of most tragic events. On the rare occasion that my daughter has heard of a senseless act of violence, I generally try to put in the simplest terms possible and use it as an opportunity to discuss right vs. wrong, and appropriate ways of expressing anger, etc.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Julie (mother of 3): Since my children are so young, they usually are not aware of situations like the attacks in Norway.But my oldest is starting to pay attention to some of the happenings in the world and has recently asked about September 11th. I was as honest as possible, told him what had happened in terms he would understand and assured him that he was safe where he was. We also discussed the military and the good that they are doing keeping us safe here in the United States.

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