Conversations with your kids in the wake of tragedies over the past week are easier said than done for many parents. Last week, the nation mourned after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was gunned down during an event in Utah. On the same day of his assassination, three students were injured at a Denver-area high school after a 16-year-old shooter opened fire before turning the gun on himself. Late last month, two children were killed as they prayed during mass at a Minneapolis-area Catholic school. Closer to home, Green Bay Area School District officials had to institute a clear backpack policy after a gun was found in one of the students’ backpacks following a series of disturbances at Preble High School. Shootings at schools can hurt a child’s mental health, whether they experience it where it happened or follow it through news coverage. Emily Kraynak from Door County Medical Center says these types of conversations can be uncomfortable, but necessary. She advises parents to provide the appropriate amount of information while tailoring their discussions to the age of their kids.

Kraynak adds that you should also make sure you are doing ok after discussing heavy subject matter with your kids.

Kraynak says you should encourage your kids to say something to a trusted adult if they see something out of the ordinary and not be afraid to ask for help if you need something. You can listen to our whole conversation with Kraynak below.