How Should We Talk To Children About Tragedies Like The Pittsburgh Shooting?

The deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh has left many feeling shocked, vulnerable and afraid as they try to cope with this tragedy.

The first funerals for the victims began Tuesday, and hundreds turned out to pay their respects. Three more people were memorialized in Pittsburgh Wednesday.

For children, this tragedy can be even more difficult to comprehend, which leaves the adults in their lives — be it parents, family members or teachers — grappling with how to explain what could have motivated a gunman to open fire in a place of worship and take 11 innocent lives. How much should children know? And if they ask difficult questions, how should you answer?

Linda K. Wertheimer, author of "Faith Ed., Teaching About Religion In An Age Of Intolerance." She tweets @Lindakwert.

Dr. Gene Beresin, executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He tweets @GeneBeresinMD.