As of yesterday, there have been 232 mass shootings in the US this year. 61 in May alone. So how do you talk to your children about the news if they ask? KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

These days it’s hard to keep the news and kids separated. Whether it’s through social media, listening to audio, or watching television, even if they catch a glimpse of a story, kids are smart enough to figure out what’s going on.

Freeman Pediatrician Amanda Dickerson says it starts with you, the parent.

“Check in with yourself and sort of see how you’re feeling, and sort of reconcile some of the feelings that you’re having before you approach your children. And make sure that you’re not sitting in your own emotions before you go; allow them to show you what they need to know and what their emotions are. Because if you’re not taking care of yourself, it’s going to be very difficult to take care of your children.”

So far this year, mass shootings have killed 256 people and injured 1,010 more in the US through the end of May.