The healers said they did not survive California wildfires they can help their children heal from the grief of leaving everything they know by continuing with their daily activities, providing a sympathetic ear and strengthening their safety.
As firefighters continue to battle wildfires raging through Los Angeles County, officials as of Saturday said at least 30 people are still missing and two more have died, bringing the death toll to 27.
“Many children are dealing with the devastation of the California wildfires. As parents and caregivers, it is important to support children during this crisis, giving them space to share what they have seen, heard, and felt,” said Dr. Cindy Davis, medical director. Good Development in Pasadena, Calif., told Fox News Digital. “Encourage them to share their experiences and be open to any kind of communication. Some may repeat the same story, while others may prefer not to talk too much. Let them choose when and how to share. Consider your child's experiences with the disaster – are they going out, seeing homes on fire, or recognize their fears. Use these cues to guide your conversations. For young children in particular, pay attention to the themes in their play, as they often show their concerns and help them process their feelings.”
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Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at New York's Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell School of Medicine, explained that causing fires “great and continuing loss” for both adults and children.
Charred vintage cars sit like ghosts after being destroyed by a wildfire, in Altadena, California, Friday, January 10, 2025. (Derek Shook of Fox News Digital)
“The most important thing for children now is to make them feel that they and you, their parents, are safe,” he advised. “Parents should explain over and over, 'We're safe because' or 'here's our safety plan' or 'we need to start our safety plan and when we get there, I'll be able to answer all your questions.' Anticipate and respond to repeated concerns from children about their safety and that of their loved ones Try to do positive things together that show that it feels safe for you all, such as playing a game that you are together and safe Home is, and will be, where you are.
Another way to help children feel safe in the middle of the migration chaos it allows them to express what they want about things they can control, like a new room, school or work, therapist Samantha Silverman, LCSW, told Fox News Digital.
“Plan activities together to explore a new city and make it feel like home,” suggests Silverman. “Maintain consistent daily routines to provide a sense of stability and security. Include comforting rituals or activities that remind them of home, such as family meals or bedtime rituals. Help your child adjust by exploring a new city together, by visiting local parks, schools or Encourage participation in community or activities after school to help them make new friends and build a sense of belonging.
La Jolla, Calif., pediatric psychiatrist Josh Feder, MD, who described children as “needing more support” during this time, advised parents to make sure their children are in a safe place with fresh air and warned against watching news of fire surrounding children. .
“Use alerts on your phone for important updates,” he said. “It's important to tell the truth but don't make it too scary. For example, 'Our house burned but we are safe now.' Our job is to protect the children and make them feel as safe as possible!
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A helicopter descends on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Ethan Swope/AP)
Saltz explained that while wildfires create a stressful situation for both adults and children, they can overcome adversity.
“Human resilience is such that most of these people will eventually succeed in this loss to get their lives back, but the more coping tools and support they can get, the more likely that will be and it will be less painful,” he said.
Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
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