By Tara Arnold

When I was asked to write this article. I jumped at the chance! "News" has been in my blood ever since I can remember. Watching the news with my dad was always the highlight of my day. I tried not to miss it for anything in the world. But, we live in a different world now. A post 9-11 world. A world filled with no liquid carry-ons on planes, security watch-lists, people known as "insurgents" and words such as "improvised explosive devices". None of this is easy to comprehend for adults, let alone children. But, with 24-hour cable news networks and internet taking hold of our everyday lives. there is a huge saturation of the media. It's everywhere whether we like it or not.

I've done countless school talks around the state. from kindergartners to high schoolers. It's amazing to hear the questions kids ask. They are so full of curiosity.

"What's your favorite story you've ever covered?"

"What celebrities have you met?" ("Do you know Brett Favre?")

"Does the news ever make you sad?"

"Where's the coolest place you got to travel for your job?"

"Have you ever cried when you had to read a certain story?"

Kids get it. They understand we live in a world that is often sad. People dying. Kids being abused. Whether they catch a glimpse on the evening news or they overhear it on the radio or their friends tell them on the playground. kids know much of what's going on in the world and I don't think they should be sheltered from it. There's too much "out there" to shelter them from. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't think fourth graders need to know every crime Saddam Hussein ever committed, but kids are often smarter than we give them credit for and that's why it's vital for parents and schools to help kids put the news into context.

I have several friends who are teachers and so is my mother. When the Virginia Tech massacre happened recently, some teachers were told NOT to discuss the events with their students (even if the students asked about it). If students are asking questions, they are scared.. they are curious. they crave answers to figure out "Are we safe?"

"Can this happen here?" Again, the discussions need to be age appropriate. Sixth graders can grasp the concept of a "bad guy" better than a first grader can. But, ignoring the issues won't make them go away.

I struggle everyday with balancing the bad news with positive stories in the community. There is SO MUCH GOOD out there too that often gets lost in the shuffle. If your kids are asking questions about the war, maybe try to get them involved in a care package donation drive for local troops serving overseas. Or if your kids ask about the little boy horribly abused in Portage... explain to them that maybe they can donate a few dollars of their allowance money to help him get better.

I think too often in trying to protect kids, we don't take the time to watch with and explain to them what's happening around us. Giving kids the opportunity to learn from the news can spark amazing conversations ("teachable moments" as a dear friend of mine calls them) and hopefully give them the chance to express their own ideas, fears and dreams.

Tara Arnold has 11 years of TV experience. She has worked as an Anchor, Reporter and Producer in several different markets including Green Bay, WI and Madison, WI. She is currently the News Director for WTDY (1670 AM) and a Morning Co-Host on WJJO (94.1 FM).