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Talking to children about the Connecticut school shootings
Posted: 12.15.2012 at 11:48 AM
Laura Hand

Laura Hand anchors CNY Central's Weekend Today in Central New York.

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Advice from a psychologist on helping your children
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After 'why did it happen?' the biggest concern for many is how to explain the Connecticut school shootings to children.

Dr. Rich O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate, says the best approach for parents is to be open to answering children's questions. O'Neill says that just being available and approachable is reassuring.  He also says that if a child seems withdrawn, it's ok to ask if something's a concern, but volunteering lots of information could be overwhelming.

O'Neill, interviewed on Saturday's Weekend Today in Central NY, also said that showing emotion, as President Obama did in his Friday statement, is fine and helps humanize the tragedy.

Click here for a related story on the shootings

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