For the kids: How to rationalize LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - Here in Northeast Ohio, many are still processing LeBron's decision to leave the Cleveland Cavs for the L.A. Lakers.

And while we adults have varying opinions, experts say kids have their own feelings about it, too, and those emotions need to be acknowledged.

"If adults are having a hard time with their own feelings then it's harder to deal with their kids feelings," said Clinical Child psychologist Jane Timmons-Mitchell, PhD. She is a senior research associate with the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education at Case Western Reserve University's  Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.

Timmons-Mitchell  recalls the anger and frustration people felt eight years ago surrounding "The Decision," when LeBron left for the Miami Heat.

"In 2010, oh my gosh, it was like, you know, there were kids out, kids out burning their jerseys in the street, I don't know about crime exactly but creating all sorts of havoc and stuff like that," she said.

She doesn't believe we'll see any of that this around but it is a valid concern for many parents.

Jennifer Kopkas  says she gave her 7-year-old son Kason a day to process the info because he loves LeBron.

"There was obviously some confusion," she said.

Timmons-Mitchell believes that after parents acknowledge the children's feelings, they should keep their kids involved and engage them.

"Look around and find one person and one thing to do that makes you feel better," she said.

And don't be afraid to seek professional help, if your children need it.

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