This morning, First Lady Michelle Obama issued an open letter to parents on the topic of talking to our children about the tragedy in Newtown, CT. We've published her words below in their entirety, in hopes that they'll provide comfort and guidance during this sad and difficult time for our nation.

Dear parents,

Like every American, Barack and I are absolutely heartbroken about the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, Conn. And like so many of you, our first reactions were not as a President and First Lady, but as a Mom and Dad. We were asking ourselves, what if this had been our town, or our school, or our girls?

And we know that all across the country, it's not just adults who are asking questions right now — our children are looking for answers as well. Like us, they want to know, why did this happen? Could it happen again? And as parents, all of us can take the time to hold our kids close and talk with them about the things that truly matter: our love for them, the importance of extending that love to those affected by this tragedy, and how that love truly defines our great American community.

Click here to continue reading the rest of the first lady's letter