Recent fires in California, such as those in the Los Angeles area earlier this month, have caused significant concern for communities. Many families had to leave their homes, and news footage showed flames spreading quickly as wind gusts carried embers from house to house.
During such events, children often pick up on the anxiety and wonder if their own home might be next. They see images on television or hear discussions among adults, which can leave them with questions and fears.
It can be challenging for parents to explain why these events happen and how to stay calm. Yet, involving them in conversations is important. Below are five suggestions that may help when discussing wildfires, hurricanes, or other emergencies with your children.
1. Start by Listening
Begin by asking open-ended questions to find out what your child already knows. Children might have heard stories from friends or caught glimpses of news reports. Let them share their thoughts so you can clarify any misinformation. Listen carefully without interruption, and let them sense you are paying complete attention.
2. Offer Honest, Age-Appropriate Explanations
Give clear and brief explanations of the situation, but avoid intense or upsetting details. For a very young child, a simple statement such as, "Strong winds caused fires to spread, and helpers are working hard to stop them," might be all they need.
Meanwhile, older kids may ask specific questions about electricity outages, injuries, or property damage, so answer honestly in a way that they can handle. Remind them they can ask as many questions as they wish.
3. Reassure Them About Safety
Children often fear an event will strike again or happen in their neighborhood. Point out the safety steps you have in place, such as emergency routes or staying in touch with relatives. Highlight reassuring facts: people are working to help those affected, and you have a plan if trouble arises. Emphasize that safety measures exist and tell them that firefighters, community volunteers, and rescue teams are all working together.
4. Encourage Healthy Expression of Fears
Some young ones might talk a lot about what scares them, while others might prefer drawing, writing, or other forms of play to process their feelings. Let them know it is normal to be disturbed or unsettled by alarming news. By giving them outlets to express themselves, you validate their experiences and keep lines of communication open.
5. Empower Them to Get Involved
Children often feel better when they can do something helpful. This might mean putting together a small care package for families who lost their homes, donating items to a local shelter, making little thank-you cards for firefighters, or raising awareness in their schools. Simple acts of kindness can go a long way toward building empathy and showing them they can make a difference.
