What type of tragedy does this advice address:
Death
Acts of Violence
Natural Disasters
Fire
Accidents
Suicide

This advice is most appropriate for parents with children in...
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School

Please add any additional comments or suggestions:
Focus on your children following the tragedy. Tell them you love them and everything will be okay. Try to help them understand what has happened, keeping in mind their developmental level. Make time to talk with your children. Remember if you do not talk to your children about this incident someone else will. (This is also true for just about any big issue you can think of.) Take some time and determine what you wish to say.
Stay close to your children. Your physical presence will reassure them and give you the opportunity monitor their action. Many children will want actual physical contact. Give plenty of hugs. Let them sit close to you, and make sure to take extra time at bedtime to cuddle and to reassure them that they are loved and safe.