buildings called the Twin Towers," and then answer their questions simply. "They don't need to see images or video, and they don't need the details," says Walsh. "Don't tell them how many people died, or that people jumped out of windows." Make them feel safe . Whatever you say, end with the message that they don't need to worry -- even if, as an adult, you know that's not necessarily true. "You want them to feel that their little world is still secure," says Walsh. "Tell them, 'There were so many brave people on that day, firemen, policemen and ordinary people, who went to help.' Remind them that 'Mommy and Daddy are here to protect you,' and that lots of people are working to make sure nothing like that ever happens again." Elementary Schoolers Again, find out what they know and correct any misperceptions . School-age children have undoubtedly heard about 9/11 from their friends, in the classroom and on TV. But it's still important to find out exactly what they know before you start talking. Keep it concrete . Now that they're older, you can share more information and a bit of context, but they're still too young to understand the big picture. "Don't get into politics and the War on Terror," says Walsh. "Elementary-school kids don't have abstract thinking. They can't process different points of view. Stick with the facts. 'These men tricked people and hijacked the airplanes. That's why we have to go through all of that