Be careful what you say about shooting around kids

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary has everyone talking.

"They're saying, 'I can't believe what happened. What if it happened here? Nobody's safe." said mental health therapist Don Zimmerman.

But Zimmerman says be careful what you say around your kids.

"Adults start making those conversations around each other and children hear those and then the child says, 'hmm. Maybe there is something I need to worry about."

If they know what happened, Zimmerman says, it's important to talk to your young children about it.

But don't ask they specifically if they are concerned or worried.

"That's kind of putting the thought into the child's mind," said Zimmerman.

Instead he suggests parents ask what their children think about it and if they have any questions. 

If they are worried about safety at school Zimmerman said don't dismiss that. 

"You never want to say 'well that won't happen at your school. You kind of avoid that conversation. You want to talk more about what are the things your school has done to make you safe?"

And he says don't offer to let them stay home from school.

"You really do want the child back into that setting, that normal structure and then he experiences that there's nothing to be afraid of."

Zimmeran also said it's important to follow up with your children as they come home from school and watch for any behavioral changes in the next few weeks.