I spent a large part of today flipping between CNN and MSNBC, for news about the shootings at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA. I am always horrified and saddened by events like this, both as a parent and as a former teacher.

My kids are too little to notice news stories like this one, but those of you with older children, particularly high school kids who are looking toward their own college departures, may be wondering how to talk to them about what happened today at Virginia Tech. The PBS Parents website offers some useful tips for talking about difficult issues, including school shootings. Begin by asking your child if she has heard about the event, and what specifically she has heard. "If your children have not heard about this news, explain the event simply, telling them just what they need to know, why they are safe, and what is being done to stop the violence and solve the crime." The site reminds parents to keep information age-appropriate, and to respond specifically and factually to your child's concerns.

This piece, at MSNBC, provides a more detailed list of strategies for talking with kids about school shootings, including expressing your own feelings about school violence and validating whatever fears your child may have. But remind your child that as frightening and sad as school shootings are, they are rare, and talk with her about any specific safety procedures her school has in place. My sons' schools both have lock down drills fairly regularly, and we use those days as an opportunity to remind them how safe their schools are, and how confident and comfortable we feel sending them there every day.

I don't know that I will talk with my kids about this particular shooting, but I am certainly thinking about the members of the Virginia Tech community today. My heart goes out to them.

Edited to add: Common Sense Media offers more tips for talking to your kids, including a suggestion that you NOT let kids under 14 watch any of the video of events like today's shootings. I have to say that I agree with this; a school shooting is difficult enough to explain without the visual images.