Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

IRMO, S.C. (WACH) -- A Midlands mother is talking to her children about the massive shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Randall Russell manages a gymnastics facility and deals with children everyday.

The mother of two was shocked when she heard about the shootings at Sand Hook Elementary.
 
"I was at work and I didn't know what was going on and my mom was like, 'Hug my babies,'" said Russell.
 
Russell believes it's best to be open with her children and educate them on how to protect themselves if ever faced with a violent situation at school.

"I'm not hiding if from her it's on the news all the time at my house and what's going on," said Russell. "It just gives us a chance to discuss it and how sad it is and how we fell for these families."

Her daughter Cody, 11 wants to be a teacher when she grows up.

"I want to be a teacher so that if that ever happens I can protect them," said Cody.  "I also want to teach the kids what to do."

Russell hopes a tragedy like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting never happens here, but admits that some things are out of her control.