HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) The parents of four children slain at Sandy Hook Elementary School went to Hartford to meet privately with legislative leaders, who are trying to craft a bipartisan response to the massacre in Newtown.

Mark Barden, whose seven-year-old son Daniel was killed, told reporters Friday that the parents traveled to the Capitol ``to applaud the efforts'' of the lawmakers, who are focusing on ways to address gun violence, mental health and school security issues following the Dec. 14 massacre that left 20 first graders and six educators dead.

While gun control advocates criticized lawmakers Friday for taking too long to pass legislation, the parents appeared more patient.

Barden said ``they're doing a great job trying to address these issues'' and remains hopeful Connecticut will ultimately have ``the strongest, most effective laws.''