LOS ANGELES (Jan. 9, 2025) -- As families are forced to evacuate their homes due to the devastating wildfires raging throughout Los Angeles County, parents and caregivers may be looking for ways to help their children feel secure and supported amid the ongoing disaster.
“It’s important to use age-appropriate language with children to provide accurate information and correct any misconceptions they may have about what is happening,” said , a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Cedars-Sinai . “An older child who is more cognizant of what is going on might need more specifics, though you’ll still want to avoid too many graphic details that may alarm them.”
Renteria is available for media interviews to discuss how parents can support their children who may be experiencing trauma due to evacuations or even losing their home to the fires.
Parents should aim to create calm, open lines of communication and work to model good coping skills during a disaster while also offering reassurance, according to Renteria.
“You can acknowledge that the fire is happening and that it’s OK to be upset by that, but it’s important to reassure your children that there are a lot of good people actively working to help. From firefighters, police, paramedics, doctors, friends and family, everybody is working together to keep them and their home safe,” Renteria said.
Renteria can discuss practical tips for parents and caregivers, including:
- Ask children what they’ve heard and what questions they have. Use their responses to guide your discussion.
- Limit children’s media exposure and avoid live, graphic or repetitive footage.
- Encourage children to express their feelings. Some children may prefer drawing, playing or writing to share their feelings rather than talking.
- Model good coping skills. Let them know it’s OK to feel upset, but share your own coping strategies.
- Monitor children’s emotional wellbeing. Watch for signs of stress, such as changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, and seek the help of a mental health expert when needed.
Spanish-speaking psychological trauma experts also are available for interviews.
To arrange an interview, contact:
Jillian Scholten | 949-244-2561 | [email protected]
RSS