by Aimee Keenan-Greene

Nearly 10 years after the tragic events of 9/11, the man believed to be the mastermind of the September 11th bombings has been killed by US special forces in Pakistan.

The death of Osama bin Laden is making news worldwide, and will no doubt spark days and weeks of newspaper headlines and television commentary.

The images of war can be hard to understand for children. How do you talk to children about tragic past events, new changes in the world, and issues like terrorism and freedom?

How do you explain any possible retaliatory violence against America? How do you discuss the many varied reactions - the mixed message of elation over a death - or political or ethnic opinions that people may express?

History in the making can be a time to help children feel more secure and understand the politics of our planet.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatryhas some advice for how to approach a discussion with your child about recent terrorism related events, like the killing of Al 

Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden:

• Wait until your child is ready to talk, don't force a conversation. Help them express themselves, through art or writing.
• Answer a child's questions honestly, using age appropriate concepts for their level of understanding. Don't overload a child with too much information.
• Be prepared to repeat explanations or conversations.  Asking the same questions over may be your child's way of asking for reassurance.
• Avoid stereotyping groups of people by race, nationality, or religion.  Use the opportunity to teach tolerance and explain prejudice.
• Don't let children watch lots of violent or upsetting images on TV.  Repetitive frightening images or scenes can be very disturbing, especially to young children. Children who have experienced trauma or losses may show more intense reactions to tragedies or news of war or terrorist incidents.  These children may need extra support and attention.

"Watching, reading, or examining the news together is the best way to gauge a child's reaction and to help a child or teen deal with the information", according to Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in bereavement issues. "In discussing what is viewed or heard when together, parents and professionals become informed about how the children processed the material and how they feel about it."

Experts also say to watch for signs of stress in your child during turbulent times. Irritability, being withdrawn,  or having trouble sleeping can be indicators your child needs help coping with anxiety.