RALEIGH, N.C. — If you have school-age children, you’re probably trying to find ways to talk to them about the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School this week in Uvalde, Texas.

Reena B. Patel, a parenting and school psychologist and author of "Winnie & Her Worries," says there are ways parents can reassure their children that they are safe.

“We need to reassure everyone, especially our children, that schools are a safe place and that there are safety action plans in place and reassure them that there isn’t any feeling that they can’t share with us to allow them to process what has happened,” Patel said.

Patel explained what a conversation should sound like with a child and their parent who is trying to help them cope with the tragedies.

“You have to first find out what information they know, so check in with them, and chances are they do know something, they’ve heard something from their school peers to seeing emotions from their teachers," Patel said. "Even your own ... emotions and frustration or fear and anxiety has been elicited and children can pick up on that. Check in with them and ask them what it is that they have heard. Make sure you speak very honestly and developmentally appropriate so that they understand."

In Patel’s book, she says a community effort is needed to educate others to be active observers. She says schools should screen students for mental health concerns.

“It’s very important, even at a young age, that we teach children how to cope with everyday stressors. We (shouldn't) be afraid to talk about mental health, mental illness, talk about those emotions and not push them away if a child feels anxious, if a child feels scared. And this creates better problem-solving skills, better ability to cope, so let your children know," Patel said. "Talk to your schools about open communication. The community should tap into resources, make it more accessible. There’s a huge gap in our school system in terms of mental health services and support.” 

Patel is urging parents to allow their children to take advantage of resources that are available.

“You have your onsite school counselors. You have your school psychologists like myself who are there to help support. It’s important to tell children that it’s OK if they see something to do something," she said. "It’s really important to reinforce the importance of communicating and letting adults know when or if they see or feel something that’s going wrong and if a child is struggling themselves to make it OK to go and ask for help."

To learn more about preventing school shootings and resources available, here is one resource.