Supporting Children with Sensitivity After a Fire | Reminders for Parents and Caregivers

In the face of sudden disorder, children need reassurance and companionship even more than we do. Here are some ways that may help you:

1. Take a moment to steady yourself

Take a slow deep breath and notice what you are feeling. Try to steady yourself. When parents or caregivers are calm, children can feel safe. Pay close attention to your own emotions; self-care enables you to care well for those around you.

2. Respond with honesty and warmth

For things you don't know, you can gently say, "I'm not sure, but we’ll face it together." Let the child know: “Right now, we are safe."

3. Hold space and acknowledge the child's emotions

Whether they feel scared, sad, or confused, their feelings deserve to be heard.

"It's completely ok to feel this way; I’m right here with you."

4. Tailor explanations to the child’s age

Younger children need simple and reassuring messages; 

Older children can understand more details and discussions.

5. Guide children through information

• Under 7: Avoid frightening images

• Ages 8–11: View together and explain as needed

• Teens: Help them interpret, understand, and process it

6. Give the child a sense of “helping”

Small actions ease helplessness: drawing a card, showing a kind gesture, writing a thank‑you note, or checking in on classmates. 

7. Keep familiar routines

Regular schedules and small rituals, such as a bedtime story or shared meals help children feel the world is steady again.

8. Use reassuring words

“I’m here to listen to whatever and whenever you are ready to share.”

“We’ll get through this together.”

“Many people are helping. We’re safe.”

9. Provide age-appropriate support

• Young children: simple messages + physical closeness

• School‑age kids: validate worries + small tasks to do together

• Teens: talk about feelings + sort through information + find ways to help together

10. If your child stays distressed, seek help.

Persistent anxiety, nightmares, or noticeable withdrawal are signs that professional support may be helpful.

We are a group of Expressive Arts Therapists, and we understand the need for psychological support after the fire incident. We hope to offer help to everyone. At the same time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the individuals and sectors that provided support during and after the event, especially to the firefighters for their hard work.