Supporting your child during and after the current bushfire crisis.
The current bushfire catastrophe gripping Australia affects each of us differently. Our children are particularly vulnerable and often do not know how to process their experiences or the visions seen in the media.
Lifeline have created a toolkit which outlines how children react and how you can help after a natural disaster. Lifeline’s – Tool Kit: Helping your children cope after a natural disaster may offer you some practical advice to help you support your child.
- Give your children extra attention and reassurance. Let them know they are not responsible for what has happened.
- Acknowledge your own feelings about the situation and let your children know its ok to share their own feelings.
- Include your children in plans for the future.
- Try to get back to a normal routine as quickly as possible. This provides a sense of security.
- If you don’t see an improvement in 4 weeks, or you’re concerned seek professional help (earlier if needed).
The Tasmanian Government created a number of support fact sheets following the devastating bushfires in 2019. These resources provide practical tips which are relevant to families throughout Australia coping with the current traumatic bush fires.
“The way your family copes straight after a distressing event shapes how you cope later. As soon as possible, talk about what happened and what everyone experienced. Be open and share what you know with all family members, even young children – they often know more than you think and may misunderstand things that are not explained to them. Don’t be scared to talk about emotions. Talking about feelings – such as being afraid, angry, or upset – can help children and adults to process the event and help them to recover.”
- Trauma and families (PDF) – Tips for parents and carers on helping families to cope with distressing events
- Trauma and teenagers (PDF) – Tips and practical suggestions for parents and carers on helping teenagers to cope with distressing events
- Trauma and young children (PDF) – Rebuilding a safe, secure and nurturing home to help babies and toddlers to recover from a distressing event
- Looking after yourself following a traumatic event (PDF) – What to expect, taking care of yourself and others, and where to find help
Support Services
- First and foremost, if you are in danger, please call 000
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 – 24 hour telephone counselling, information and referral service.
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 – Confidential telephone counselling service for young people aged 5 – 25 yrs.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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