The ultimate destroyer Fires in Southern California they have left many families struggling with fear, uncertainty and sadness.
The fire, which has so far claimed five lives and injured more, broke out in dry and windy conditions, leaving officials in a tizzy. contain historical destruction.
Children may be confused, scared or distressed by what they are hearing and seeing, and it is important for parents and carers to help them deal with these emotions.
Natural disasters – be it fires, hurricanes, earthquakes or floods – can be very worrying for children, whether they are directly affected or not. Their understanding of the world is still developing, and events like this can challenge their sense of security and stability.
Here are practical, research-based ways to talk about natural disasters with kids, keeping their emotional well-being—and yours—in mind.
Be honest, but keep it age-appropriate
Children don’t need all the details, but they do need honesty. Dr. Tamar Kahane, licensed clinical psychologist and founder Kahane Centeran integrated mental health center that offers comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological services, emphasizes the importance of honesty by validating children’s fears.
“Start to acknowledge and validate their feelings and their reality. It’s scary. It’s not your job to pretend everything’s okay when it’s not,” she told “Good Morning America.”
For younger children, keep explanations simple and reassuring: “Fires are really scary and can be very dangerous, but luckily the fire department is working hard to put them out, and it’s all about keeping you safe as parents.”
Older children may have more questions; answer calmly and truthfully, but avoid overwhelming them with too much information. You can share and explain all the security measures you have in place, Kahan said.
Trauma therapist Diane Lang recommends tailoring responses to each child’s maturity level.
“You want your answers to be very age-appropriate, knowing your child’s maturity level. Keep it as simple as possible, and encourage them to ask any questions,” she told “GMA.”
If a question doesn’t have an answer, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but we can learn together.” This approach helps children feel supported while modeling problem solving and curiosity in the face of uncertainty.
Firefighters work as an apartment building burned in the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County, California on January 8, 2025.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
Validate their emotions
Natural disasters can create many emotions in children: fear, sadness, anger or even confusion. Let them know it’s okay to feel what they feel. Use phrases like “It’s normal to feel scared right now” or “It’s understandable to feel upset about what’s happening.”
Kahan advises, “Parents often feel like they have to protect their children from experiencing scary things, but it’s more helpful to acknowledge their emotions. When children feel heard and understood, they are better able to cope.”
He added that regression – such as tension, clinging or whining – is common during stress: “Be aware of ‘under stress, retreat’. Now is the time to listen to them, embrace them and understand where the acting comes from.”
Lang stresses the importance of really listening to children’s fears: “You want to validate their feelings, listen to their fears and make sure they know you’re listening,” she said. “Eye contact is important, and you want to remind them that their feelings and concerns are completely normal and natural.”
Validating emotions reassures children that their feelings are normal and that they are not alone.
Embers fall from the burning tree of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025.
Nic Coury/AP
Stick to routines
In times of uncertainty, routines give children a sense of stability.
Keeping bedtimes, meals, and other daily rituals as consistent as possible helps reinforce predictability and security, even when life is uncertain.
“Try to stick to their routines as much as you can,” Kahan said. “This will help you and your child feel more secure and grounded. For older children, try and make sure they maintain their academic and extracurricular routines and social relationships as well as possible.”
Provide children with actions
Faced with events beyond their control, children can feel helpless. Get involved in small, meaningful actions to give you a sense of control and input.
Andy Bozzo, battalion chief and co-founder of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Tablet Commanda mobile incident command and response solution, recommends practicing emergency preparedness at home as a way to empower children.
“Practice makes perfect,” he told “GMA.” “One of the basic elements of an emergency plan is to practice multiple escape routes from a home and a gathering place, once outside the home. Helping children gain confidence in their ability to escape from a burning home is critical.”
In addition to working out escape plans, encourage children to play small but meaningful roles in the process. For example, assign a specific responsibility during a fire drill or evacuation, such as taking a family emergency kit or helping a younger sibling.
“Parents and children need to practice together and learn about procedures, routes and milestones,” Bozzo said. “Anyone, even children, should be empowered to do a job or role in that escape plan. Finally, it’s a meeting place outside the home to take responsibility.”
By practicing together, families can reduce the chaos and anxiety that accompany real emergencies.
Here are some other ways to get kids involved in the midst of a natural disaster:
- Creating a family emergency plan together so they feel prepared.
- Write thank you notes or draw pictures for first responders.
- Explore ways to help affected communities, such as donating to relief efforts.
Limit media exposure
While it’s important to stay informed, constant news coverage (especially images or videos of destruction) can increase fear and anxiety in children. Monitor what they’re seeing, and if possible, limit their exposure entirely.
“Children don’t have the ability to process these images emotionally. Overexposure can overwhelm them and lead to separation anxiety and other struggles,” Kahan said.
Instead, focus on relaxing activities that help restore a sense of normalcy, such as family game nights, reading, or creative projects.
Lang recommends limiting not only children’s media exposure, but also how much the disaster is discussed in the family. “You want to limit their media exposure, as well as you and your spouse or other sibling talking too much around them,” she said.
Take care of yourself too
It is difficult to hold a child when he is feeling overwhelmed. Make space to process your emotions by talking to a friend, journaling, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
Seeking help from other adults or community resources can also be beneficial.
Parents and caregivers don’t have to have all the answers or say the perfect thing. Being present, listening and offering comfort can make a significant difference to children.
