Children who were not even born yet are now old enough to hear about the tragedy that struck our nation 10 years ago. Just like many other "talks" that will arise as our children grow up, this is one that can't be avoided.

9/11 is a day that changed our nation and how we live. Many lives were lost and many heroes battled to save lives, and in turn sacrificed their own. The day, the people, and the events should all be honored and remembered. As parents, we may choose to convey these messages to our children, and also need to be prepared to answer questions.

So, how do we talk to kids about 9/11? I have gathered some information from the American Academy of Pediatrics to guide parents and help them talk to their kids about 9-11.

Some key tips the AAP stresses when talking to kids about 9/11 are:

• Help children feel safe and secure; ease their feelings
• Assess the level of anxiety and involve a pediatrician or psychological first aid if needed
• Be cautious with exposure to media coverage

As the date approaches, and with it the painful memories of the event and its aftermath, some Americans may choose quiet introspection, while others may seek the company of other people with whom to share their feelings. Still others will participate by tuning in to media coverage. Many organizations and cities are offering ways to remember the day by taking actions to spread peace. Positive messages will be communicated, yet children and adolescents may experience anxiety around this time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reminds families, schools, media and other groups to give special thought to children as they plan for the anniversary and the days leading up to it. The AAP is offering resources to help ease feelings of remembered trauma and loss, to encourage healthy discussion around the day, and to reassure children by telling them what their families, schools and government officials do to keep them safe.

Kids are resilient. But the adults in their lives need to be aware that at times like these, children and teens may have questions or need help processing their feelings, said  Steven Krug, MD, FAAP, Chair of the AAP's Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council. He added, When reacting to or remembering disasters, children should be encouraged to take positive actions, and should be included in conversations about how we not only should prepare for adversity, but how we can learn from it and make things better.

According to Dr. Krug, As the nation remembers together, it is important to show children and teens how the adults in their lives are securing their future.

A child's reaction to a new situation varies greatly, depending on his or her developmental level, temperament, experience, skills, and the support that is provided by parents or caregivers. When children are exposed to circumstances that are beyond the usual scope of human experience (eg, a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or acts of violence), they may have difficulty understanding and coping with the events and may develop a range of symptoms, including trauma symptoms, depression, anxiety, or, if deaths are involved, bereavement.

During or immediately following a disaster, efforts should be focused on helping children by providing psychological first aid and identifying children who will benefit from counseling or mental health services. Exposure to media (viewing the news on a computer or on television) or being interviewed by the media can traumatize children further. Efforts should be made to protect children from media violence and to promote resiliency whenever possible.

As every family ponders the messages of the 9-11 anniversary and National Preparedness Month, the AAP reminds parents to consider their own pediatrician as a resource when it comes to helping children at difficult times.