This has been a very sad week for our nation, and as we are glued to our televisions, tracking the latest updates on rescue/recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina, our children are seeing it too.  Parenting Exchange offers some tips for helping our children process this tragedy, and make sure that they understand without becoming overwhelmed.  Even if people close to you are not directly affected, children are likely to feel fearful and anxious, so explaining the situation in simple terms that they can understand is the best approach. 

Other ideas from the article include showing children concrete ways they can help.  This will give them a sense of control, and also build compassion.  Of course, your children’s age will drive your approach, but it seems from the advice that truthfulness and respect for feelings that may arise from the news coverage is a good place to start.