Talking to Your Child about the Troubling Events in the News

Suicide bombers. American buildings under attack. Pedophile priests. Biological terrorism. Layoffs. The War on Terror.

The events in the news are enough to give any adult the heebie-jeebies. For kids, who are just as exposed to media stories about the violence and uncertainty that have pervaded the news since the middle of last year, the world can be a downright scary place.

Parents tend to want to protect their children from the cruel world, to make them feel safe. But with the media such a part of a kids' lives, and with the stories in the news being so frightening, even if you try to shield children from the outside world it would be of no use.

Psychologist and author Michael Riera says it's important for parents to openly discuss the events in the world with their children. This hour, Riera explains how to keep your child accurately informed about the world while not robbing them of their childhoods.

Guests:

Michael Riera, psychologist, co-author of "Right From Wrong: Instilling a Sense of Integrity In Your Child" and "Field Guide to the American Teenager"