According to therapists, survivors california wildfires By continuing with daily routines, empathic listening, and reinforcing safety, we can help children recover from the trauma of leaving behind everything they know.
As firefighters continue to extinguish wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County, authorities said at least 30 people were missing as of Saturday, with two more deaths bringing the death toll to 27.
“Many children are facing the devastation of the California wildfires. As parents and guardians, we encourage you to support your children during this crisis and share what you see, hear, and feel. It’s important to give them space,” said Clinical Director Dr. Cindy Davis. He spoke to FOX News Digital about the positive developments in Pasadena, California. “Encourage children to share their experiences and be open to all forms of communication. Some may repeat the same story, while others may not want to talk much. When , let your child choose how to share their disaster. Think about the experience: evacuating, watching a house burn, or witnessing fear. Use these tips to guide the conversation, especially with younger children. Pay attention to their concerns and help them process their feelings.
California wildfires: Essential phone numbers for Los Angeles area residents and how to help them
Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, explained: a fire broke out A “huge and continuing loss” for both adults and children.
Friday, January 10, 2025, Altadena, Calif. A burnt-out classic car sits like a ghost after being destroyed by a wildfire. (Derek Schock, Fox News Digital)
“The most important thing for children right now is to make them and you and their parents feel safe,” she advised. “Parents often explain, 'We're safe because,' or 'Here's our safety plan,' or 'We need to start a safety plan. Once we get there, we'll answer all your questions.' Children repeatedly worry about their safety or the safety of their loved ones. Be sure to show them that you are together and that your location is safe, for example by playing a game no matter what. It is home and it will always be safe.”
One way to help children feel safe during disasters chaos of moving Let them express their preferences about things they can control, like a new room, school, activities, etc., therapist Samantha Silverman, LCSW, told Fox News Digital.
“Let's plan activities together to explore a new city and make it feel like home,” Silverman suggested. “Keep a consistent routine to provide a sense of stability and security. Incorporate comforting traditions and activities that remind you of home, such as family meals and bedtime rituals. Explore your new city together Help your child adjust by playing or visiting a local park or school.'' The library offers community and extracurricular activities to help make new friends and build a sense of belonging. Participation is encouraged. ”
Dr. Josh Feder, a child psychiatrist in La Jolla, Calif., explains that children at this age “need extra support,” and parents need to make sure their children are in a safe place with clean air. He advised children not to watch fire news near children. .
“Use alerts on your phone to stay up to date with important information,” he said. “It's important to tell the truth, but not to scare them too much. For example, 'My house burned down, but I'm safe now.' Our job is to protect children and keep them as safe as possible.” I want them to feel that way.”
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A helicopter sprays water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles, Friday, January 10, 2025. (Ethan Swope/Associated Press)
Saltz explained that wildfires are stressful situations for adults and children alike, but they can be overcome.
“Human resilience is so high that the vast majority of these people will eventually be able to overcome these losses to get their lives back, but the more coping tools and support they have, the more The chances are higher and the pain is less,” she said.
Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
