Japan was hit with a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami earlier this week, washing away cities, killing thousands and thousands of people. The images are devastating. The rubble, the destruction. A child most likely has parents who have been watching the news, talking about; maybe they are talking about it in the classroom. Our question this week is another one that is determined by age and maturity level, but how do you talk to your children about natural disasters of this magnitude? How do you explain the images? What are the words you use? How do you get them to understand or cope with an event like what happened in Japan?

Let's talk:

How do you talk to your kids about natural disasters? How do you help them cope with the disturbing images?

Chime in on this question in the comments section. Have another question? E-mail it to Ferndale Patch Editor Terry.Parris@patch.com.

Ferndale Patch will dedicate a column each week on a discussion with moms and dads about anything, really. We're looking for questions to be asked and answered, advice seekers, advice givers, sharing solutions or experiences and asking for feedback — that's what we want. Anything you want to talk about, we will discuss in the comments section.

Of course, this column doesn't work if you don't participate, so let's get it going!

We'd like to be a new resource for moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community and who may have questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

Is there a parenting hot topic? Tiger mom comes to mind. How about vaccinations? Where do you fall on that? This space will also be a place to discuss these tings.

So grab a cup of coffee, or whatever you like to drink in the afternoon, and settle in as we start the conversation.

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