Dear Family Coach: After seeing violence and anger at recent political events, my son told me that he is scared and fears for his safety. How do you reassure a 10-year-old when we are witnessing something that is actually terrifying to me as an adult? — Seriously Scared

Dear Scared: The political climate is more intense and antagonistic than ever before. Kids used to be thoroughly bored of political ads and debates. However, this election coverage feels more like a reality television show riddled with yelling, insults, anger and physical altercations. There is more of it than ever, and it is practically unavoidable. I'd typically tell parents to just keep the television off for a while and shelter the kids, but that is impossible. Discussion about the candidates — even talk of the size of one candidate's genitalia and a reporter's menstrual cycle — has reached the playground.

The real question is how to help children process what they are hearing and seeing so that they don't internalize the anger or feel afraid of the future. As a parent, you don't have to possess all the answers. Parents sometimes fear having deep conversations with their children because they can't wrap it up with an, "It will all be OK" kind of line. Sometimes life isn't OK and bad things can happen. We have witnessed holocausts and dictators and even internment on our own soil. But that doesn't mean you can't comfort your son.

Let your son know that times are scary; but he has a voice and so do you. Use your collective voice to write letters to neighbors, friends and family to explain your views. Call your politicians and offer support in a variety of ways. Even a 10-year-old can stuff letters into envelopes. Keep him updated about political realities and the likelihood of his fears being realized. Don't assume he has correct and up-to-date information. But above all else, create a safe environment in your home. Tell you son that you are scared, too, but that you are in it together. He may actually feel validated and even comforted by you sharing your feelings.

Dear Family Coach: We live in a large city that has excellent public transportation. My 16-year-old has a good deal of independence because of it. I put GPS tracking software on his phone to keep tabs on him. He recently went out with some friends and the GPS showed that they were hanging out in a park where drug dealers frequent. I wanted to call him and ask him to leave, but my husband says I should back off. What do you think? — Mom Scared of Drugs

Dear Scared: Keeping tabs on your teen son is important. Adolescents, especially ones who travel in a group, often act impulsively without thinking the consequences through. The cellphone GPS is certainly a useful aid in that endeavor. But knowing his location will only help you so much. Of course you could call him and tell him you don't like him hanging out there. But that doesn't really help him avoid drugs. If a teen wants drugs, there are many outlets to locate them. That being said, being in close proximity to drugs doesn't necessarily mean that your son will become a user.

Additionally, if your son thinks you are tracking his every move, he will find ways to outsmart you. He might tell you he is at Jimmy's house and then just leave his phone there for an hour while hanging out at the park. Once your child starts lying to you to avoid a potential lecture, the conversation is closed. Instead of having loads of "what if" conversations with your son, help him imagine what he would do if he ran into trouble. Work through potential solutions. Make it clear that no matter what trouble he's in, he can always call you with no questions asked. In about two years, your son will likely be off at college without you to track his every move. Better to prepare him now.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.