Each week our Moms Council discusses a different parenting issue. Join the conversation by weighing in on a topic or ask our panel of experts your question.

We put this week's question to our Potomac Patch Moms Council for their ideas and advice. The suggestions don’t end here‚ add your own tips and advice in the comments section below.

This week's question comes from Erin Mantz, a reader and Potomac Moms Council member.

How do you explain the 9/11 tragedy to your kids who weren’t even alive, and who now see and hear about it on the news and all over?

Suzanne Weiss: There are so many horrific events—past and present—that it is important to balance them, in all our lives, with the positives. Sept. 11, and the many other acts of terror, saw the loss of many lives and changes in most of us. What did work? Those of us with kids in school at that time were able to locate our kids and work with them and the school to make plans for them. It is important to reassure those who did not experience this type of event that they will be cared for and reunited. Most important, it is a good lesson for living every day to the fullest.

Allison Olmsted: I think this is a really interesting question but don’t have too much to add. I wish I knew. I have a 7-year-old and we haven’t discussed it with her yet, but I’m thinking we should provide her with a little background. At the same time, I don’t think I want her to really have to process the whole thing, but rather focus on the start of the school year and things more appropriate and pressing to a 7-year-old. I think somewhere closer to age 10 is where it becomes more appropriate to delve into some of the issues of what happened, why, etc.

Wiley Drake: My children are too young yet to know about Sept. 11, but when they are old enough we will certainly discuss it. I think my husband and I will tell them about it as we would tell them about other tragedies. Frankly and with hope.