JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The sounds and images of the carnage in Aurora, Colorado are tough for anyone to swallow especially kids.
Most want to know why something so terrible happened and whether or not they are safe.
"When there's a tragedy of any sort on a national base what children need are to feel secure," Jim Clark said.
Clark is President and CEO of Daniel Kids. As head of Florida's oldest child-serving agency and a concerned dad he says it's important to approach tragedies like this head on.
"Encourage your kids to ask questions. One of the things that often happens we out a lot of additional fears onto our children. Allow them to express themselves and ask questions, and answer them surely and sincerely," he continued.
Local parents we spoke with agree that's the way to go.
"Education is more than just school work. It's preparing you emotionally for things," Lesley Jones said.
Clark also suggests limiting your child's media intake right after a tragedy especially if they're young. Accompany them to events if that means they feel secure and protected. Finally, watch out for warning signs. If you see your kid crying excessively, acting out in behavior, or anything else strange seek professional help.
If you don't, your children may internalize the issue which is never good.
"It's better for kids to talk about things than to leave them in," Clark said.
