On the date of my last blog post, Jan. 12, 2010, the nation of Haiti experienced a horrific natural disaster that we have all heard about and witnessed through extensive media coverage. This earthquake has ended the life of many Haitians and changed life forever for those who survived. The coverage of the story in the media has been intense and graphic at times and difficult for adults to comprehend, let alone our children who are hearing of this news at home, at school and elsewhere. We've heard stories of despair and miracles. Many rescue workers, relief specialists and medical personnel from our area of the world have responded to help the Haitians start to heal.

For those of us here and geographically, if not emotionally, distant, we've been allowed to sympathize with these neighbors. Many have asked how they can help and several options have become available.

But, how does a small child here, who is exposed to either images on television, in the newspaper or through inevitable discussion of this tragedy make sense of this information? When is a child old enough or mature enough to comprehend that there are bad things in the world that happen to good people? Many children in our country are not a stranger to family tragedy and sometimes at very young ages.

Our two five-year-olds were immediately curious as the images of suffering children were shown on television and in the newspaper. We did not allow them full access to the news reports. My wife and I talked about what an earthquake is and what they can and did do to the country of Haiti. We reassured them that earthquakes are not likely to cause such damage to our own home because of where in the world we live but that we have to be aware of other natural dangers. It was important to us not to avoid the topic of this tragedy with our children, but to find a way to teach respect for others and instill a responsibility for the care of those in need.

For the past year, our children have been given small chores around the house and, if successfully completed, they earn a few cents to a dollar to save for a meaningful purchase. Our daughter decided right away that she wanted to save for an American Girl Doll. It is more difficult for my son to plan ahead so he went along with his sister and he too decided an American Girl Doll would be fine to earn. Over the last week or so, we helped our children decide on a few extra things they could do to help around the house so they could earn some extra money to be able to donate to the Haitian relief effort.

Others who have small children or work with or teach children have had to confront the awkwardness of questions and fears about the earthquake in the past several days. Some have chosen to teach about Haiti and the wonderful people and culture. Others have helped organize collections of needed supplies and other donations.

This is an important time not to avoid discussion of this tragic event with your children, but to teach the values of responding to our neighbor's need in any way you feel you can.

How have you talked about the situation in Haiti within your family? How have you responded? Money is tight and not everyone is able to donate. What other ways have you thought of contributing to the long-term healing of Haiti?