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Talking to Your Children About Wildfires: A Guide for Parents

Wildfires Awareness for Children

Many of us have likely been glued to screens as we monitor the wildfires and talk to family and friends who have been directly affected in Los Angeles. As parents, we also face the challenge of addressing our children’s fears and questions about this disaster. While it’s natural to want to shield children from upsetting realities, open and honest communication can empower them and alleviate anxiety, especially young children who might not understand the geography and worry the fires could hurt them. Here are some guidelines for talking to your children about wildfires in a way that is informative, reassuring, and age-appropriate.

Start with the Basics

Young children often have limited knowledge about wildfires, so it’s important to begin with the basics. Explain what wildfires are and why they happen in simple, non-threatening language. For example, you might say, “Sometimes, when it’s very hot and dry, fires can start in forests or grasslands. People work hard to put them out and keep everyone safe.” Use this opportunity to answer any initial questions they might have.

Be Honest, But Reassuring

It’s natural for children to feel scared or uncertain about wildfires, especially if they’ve seen images or heard stories about their impact. Be honest about the risks, but also emphasize the measures in place to protect them. Share information about local firefighters, emergency plans, and the steps your family can take to stay safe. Reassurance is key: let them know that adults are working hard to keep everyone safe and prepared.

Tailor Your Approach to Their Age

  • Young Children (Ages 3-7): Use simple, concrete explanations and focus on safety. Avoid sharing graphic details or alarming statistics. For example, you might explain, “If there’s ever a fire nearby, we have a plan to keep everyone safe.”
  • Older Children (Ages 8-12): This age group can handle more detailed explanations. Discuss the causes of wildfires, such as lightning or human activity, and how communities work together to recover. Encourage them to ask questions and share their thoughts.
  • Teens: Teens are likely to be more aware of the broader issues, including climate change and its role in increasing wildfire frequency. Engage them in conversations about environmental responsibility and involve them in family preparedness efforts.

Encourage Preparedness

Involving children in your family’s wildfire preparedness plan can help them feel more in control. Practice evacuation drills, pack emergency kits together, and assign age-appropriate tasks, such as gathering important items or helping pets. Framing preparedness as a proactive way to stay safe can alleviate feelings of helplessness.

Validate Their Emotions

Children may feel a range of emotions about wildfires, from fear to sadness to curiosity. Validate these feelings by listening without judgment. You might say, “It’s okay to feel scared when we talk about wildfires. A lot of people feel that way, but that’s why we make plans to stay safe.” Creating a safe space for emotional expression fosters trust and resilience.

Limit Exposure to Distressing Media

News coverage of wildfires can be overwhelming for children, especially younger ones. Monitor their exposure to images and stories that may heighten their anxiety. If they do encounter troubling media, discuss it with them in a way that provides context and reassurance.

Share Stories of Hope and Recovery

Talking to children about how they can help others affected by wildfires can be empowering and foster a sense of community. Discuss ways to contribute, such as donating money, clothing, or supplies to relief efforts. If feasible, involve them in the process—for example, by choosing items to donate, setting aside part of their allowance for a contribution, or creating a fundraiser. Participating in these acts of kindness can help children feel they are making a positive difference in a challenging situation.

Highlighting stories of community resilience, heroic firefighters, and environmental recovery can help children see that wildfires, while serious, are not insurmountable. Point out examples of people helping each other and the natural world’s ability to regenerate after a fire.

Foster a Connection to Nature

Helping children develop a positive relationship with nature can inspire both a sense of wonder and a desire to protect the environment. Teach them about fire safety, the importance of forests, and how ecosystems recover from fires. Activities like planting trees or learning about local wildlife can foster a sense of stewardship and hope.

Final Thoughts

Talking to your children about wildfires is an opportunity to educate, empower, and connect with them. By approaching the topic with honesty, reassurance, and a focus on preparedness, you can help your children feel safer and more confident in facing this natural challenge. Together, your family can build resilience and create a sense of hope, even in the face of uncertainty. As always, please let us know if you have any questions. The people of Los Angeles are in our hearts. ♥️

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Jackie Phillips, MD, January, 2025

Take the first step towards improving your child’s health with pediatric integrative medicine. Call The Village Doctor at (650) 851-4747 or Contact us to learn more about the practice.