HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT CALIFORNIA FIRES AND OTHER RECENT NATURAL DISASTERS

Natural disasters, such as the devastating California wildfires, can leave a lasting impact on both communities and individuals. When these catastrophic events occur, it is common for parents to feel uncertain about how to address them with their children. For young minds, the effects of a disaster can be confusing, frightening, and emotionally overwhelming. The following are a few tips from the experts on how to talk to your children about the California fires and other recent natural disasters. Brush on fire. PIXABAY.COM Be Honest but Reassuring The first step in talking to your children about a natural disaster is to be honest about what is happening in the world around them. But, make sure to avoid overwhelming them with too many details. Young children don’t need to know all the grim facts, but they do need reassurance that they are safe and that their feelings are valid. “When tragic natural disasters occur, such as wildfires or hurricanes, it can be difficult for kids to cope. It can be stressful for a person of any age, but for children, it’s much more anxiety-provoking,” Dr. Maneesh Kumar , DO, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, in Houston, TX, said in...