Child therapists reveal how wildfire victims can help their kids cope with trauma

Therapists say survivors of the Wildfires in California can help their children recover from the trauma of leaving everything they know behind by continuing their daily routines, providing an empathetic ear, and strengthening their security.

While firefighters continue to battle the fire Wildfires devastate Los Angeles CountyAt least 30 people were still missing, officials said on Saturday, while two more deaths brought the toll to 27.

“Many children are facing the devastating consequences of the fires in California. As parents and carers, it is crucial to support children during this crisis and give them space to share what they have seen, heard and felt,” says Dr. Cindy Davis, clinical director of Positive Development in Pasadena, California, told Fox News Digital. “Encourage them to share their experiences and be open to all forms of communication. Some may repeat the same story while others may prefer not to talk much. Let them decide when and how to share. Think about your child’s experience with the disaster – he did.” Are you evacuating, seeing houses burning, or witnessing fear? Use these pointers to guide your conversations. Especially with younger children, pay attention to the themes in their play, as these often reflect their worries and help them process their feelings.

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Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell School of Medicine, explained that the caused fires “tremendous and lasting loss” for adults and children.

Burnt out classic cars sit like ghosts after being destroyed by a devastating fire, Altadena, Calif., Friday, January 10, 2025. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

“The most important thing for children now is to make them feel that they and you, their parents, are safe,” she advised. “Parents should often explain, ‘We are safe because,’ or ‘Here is our safety plan,’ or ‘We need to start our safety plan, and when we get there, I can answer any questions you have.'” Expect and answer repeated concerns from children about the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Try doing nice things together that show it feels safe for you all, like playing a game. Remind them that what you have lost is that you are together and you are safe and you will be where you are.”

A way to help children feel safe in the environment Chaos when moving lets them express their preferences about what they can control, such as a new room, a new school or a new activity, therapist Samantha Silverman, LCSW, told Fox News Digital.

“Plan activities together to explore the new city and make you feel at home,” Silverman suggested. “Maintain consistent daily routines to provide a sense of stability and security. Incorporate calming traditions or activities that remind him of home, such as family dinners or bedtime rituals. Help your child acclimate by exploring the new city together, visiting local parks, schools, etc. Libraries encourage participation in community or extracurricular activities to help them make new friends and build a sense of belonging.

Child psychiatrist Josh Feder, MD, of La Jolla, California, explained that children need “extra support” during this time. He advised parents to make sure their children are in a safe place with clean air and warned against watching news about the fires near children.

“Use notifications on your phone to get important updates,” he said. “It’s important to tell the truth but not be too scary. For example: ‘Our house burned down, but we are safe now.’ Our job is to protect children and give them the greatest possible feeling of safety!”

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A helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Ethan Swope/AP)

Saltz explained that the wildfires are a stressful situation for both adults and children, but they can manage to get through the hardship.

“The human capacity for resilience is such that the majority of these people will eventually overcome these losses to regain their lives. But the more coping tools and support they can receive, the more likely this is and the less painful it will be,” she said.

Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.