Here’s how to explain terror attacks to children and reassure them that they are safe
If you don't sit your children down and say something about what's happening, your kids could be fed wrong information by another source
TERROR attacks have devastating effects on adults, so it's hard to imagine how these shocking events are processed through the eyes of children.
Many parents hate the thought of scaring their kids by discussing tragedies with them but, if you don't sit your children down and say something about what's happening, your kids could be fed wrong information by another source.
It also helps to reassure children that they are safe if their parents can explain, calmly and in appropriate language, what is going on and what it means for them.
And the climate of non-stop news means it's a necessity to make sure your kids are able to understand the world around them, without being needlessly scared by it.
Parenting expert has spent her life helping children cope with grief, and she recently the best strategies to have an informative and reassuring conversation with your children about terrorism.
She explained that children will almost always realise that something isn't quite right in the wake of a terrorist attack, since parents are likely to turn the news off and come across as shocked or upset - even if they don't realise it.
The parenting expert added: "If they don't hear it on television, other kids are going to be talking about it.
"Having information can actually help take away the confusion, and help kids feel better."
When explaining what has happened to younger children, it's important to let them lead the conversation by finding out what they know first.
You don't need to go into upsetting detail, but it's good to start a conversation by asking them if they've heard any news or want to talk about anything - this lets them set the tone and lets you work out how much they already know.
Family therapist also advises that you should bring it up more than once, since talking about things makes them less scary for your kids.
She said: "Even if you have spoken with your kids, it's important to keep talking to them because they are at risk of getting a lot of misinformation from their peers."
It's also vital that you keep things simple and age appropriate, meaning the political or religious context should definitely be avoided with younger children.
And the most important thing for parents is that they reassure their children, explaining that attacks are unusual and that there are safety measures in place to protect them.
Denise Daniels said: "A lot of times I'll say to kids, 'You know, the reason it's on the news so much is because it's such an unusual occurrence."
Gemma Allen, a bereavement counsellor, that parents should avoid vague expressions, and try to keep the conversation short and concise.
Also, when talking to pre-school children, be mindful of how much they already know, and only use concrete language.
It's okay to state that something bad has happened, and that lots of people have died as a result, although details about death may go over your child's head if they don't understand the concept of dying yet.
Parents should also remember that it's okay to tell your child that you don't know why this has happened.
When it comes to talking about the attackers, avoid describing them as "bad people" - instead you should focus on describing bad actions or behaviours.
If you start talking about bad people, your child is likely to panic more, since this language gives the impression that they are in danger from bad people who are out to get them.
It's important to remember that children are inherently selfish, so may make acts of terror personal by asking questions like: "why do the terrorists hate us?"
Parents or carers should respond to this by explaining that terrorists don't hate - or even know - your child, to calm their fears that they are personally hated by scary, violent people who are coming for them next.
It may help young children if you reassure them by focusing on all the good people who appear on the news - from rescue workers and policemen at the scene to the civilians holding vigils and commemorating the attacks.
Meanwhile, you should model good coping skills by maintaining a normal daily routine and proving that, whilst attacks are scary, you and your children are going to be okay.