It happened again – another mother snaps and kills her children. Hangs them in the closet along with herself. All found dead except for the eight-month old baby. We all collectively stand and look to the heavens and scream “WHY??” What could have driven this mother, like Andrea Yates and Susan Smith before her, to such desperation that she resorts to such horror, such madness, such evil and victimizes her children – her babies?

My assessment is weak without first knowing more about this women and her history. However, my professional hunch says that she was severely depressed, raising multiple children alone, and had a history of mental illness. It is also possible she suffered from postpartum psychosis, a condition that causes a break from reality in which profound hopelessness possibly coupled with delusional religious ideals results in this form of killing.

As a mother, none of these explanations seem sufficient. It is difficult to understand how a mother’s innate maternal instinct, which is shared with all other animals, cannot overcome delusional episodes and battle the demons within in order to spare the lives of her children. Still, these tragedies occur and we are only left with retrospect for comfort.

I have tried with earnest to keep my children away from this news coverage. At the ages of 3 and 7, I have been successful so far. However, many parents of older children cannot prevent this news from seeping into their world. Children are exposed to parents who kill, school shootings, hurricane aftermath, and terrorist attacks. As parents, we have to serve as the filter for these news stories to ensure that children do not misunderstand or become frightened by current events. Parents should consider the child’s age and determine how much news, if any, is appropriate.

Children under the age of 6
In my opinion, children under six should not be exposed to the news. They are at a vulnerable age when monsters and dragons are hiding in closets. They have a difficult time discerning fact from fiction and should not be in a position of having to process tragic events. Parents with children of multiple ages face a difficult challenge keeping the TV off during major news stories. However, it is critical that preschool children not be inundated with negative images. With so many ways of accessing news, parents can use other methods other than television to be informed without exposing young children.

Children Between the Ages of 6 and 11
Children between the ages of six and eleven are able to separate what’s real from what’s not; however, they are unable to differentiate themselves or their families from a news story. They may fear that the average thunderstorm could produce a hurricane nearby or that a war overseas could result in bombs in the backyard. At this age, it is important that children not be exposed to news without the supervision of mom and dad. In addition, parents should be aware of any signs of anxiety that a child may experience. This includes a preoccupation with news stories, difficulty sleeping or eating, or behavior regression such as bedwetting. Parents must be willing to adjust how often news is watched and offer open discussions to assist their children process their fears.

Children Over the Age of 11
By the time the child is past the age of eleven, they are getting their news from a variety of sources including their teachers and their peers. When a tragic news story hits, spend time with your child discussing the story and their perspective on the event.

Regardless of your children’s age, parents need to be aware of how much they are being exposed to news, and, when possible, monitor the amount they see. In addition, parents can balance the negative events with more positive images. Discuss ways in which your family can positively impact a negative situation. For example, consider a neighborhood food drive for families devastated by a tornado or send letters to soldiers overseas. By addressing the negative news stories with positive actions, your child can maintain faith in the human spirit.

In the recent case of the mother who killed her children, it is difficult for even the professionals to comprehend such a heinous scene. If your children are exposed to the details surrounding this heartbreaking story, share with them your sadness about the event and let them know that no one will understand all of the reasons for such a tragedy. Remind your children that they are loved and protected and safe with you. And, if your religion permits, pray with your children for all those affected by this tragedy. In my opinion, demonstrating prayer for others is often the best way to communicate hope and offer support.