How do i talk to my kids about the Australian bushfires?
Communities and individuals affected by bushfire can experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing and frightening.
Families across the country are on edge. Sometimes, children don’t have ways of understanding what they see and can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness.
So how do we help our children cope with this unprecedented emergency? How do we make them feel safe?
We’ve compiled a few really good articles we have found helpful when thinking about how to discuss the bushfires with your children.
UNICEF – story on how to comfort and protect them here
Beyond Blue – Bushfires and mental health fact sheet
Australian Government Human Services – Bushfire Recovery Access Program
And of course, if you need immediate help you can also call any of the following hotlines:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Take care.
TCC xx
