"While many of our kids were heading back to school from winter break, families in California were quickly grabbing essentials before evacuating a dangerous and still developing situation. Our hearts go out to all those affected by the wildfires in California. And even if your kids are not seeing smoke in the skies, they may sense something big is happening around them. In these scary moments, kids need to be reassured by parents and caregivers. Here’s how to talk to them about the wildfires happening in California and how your family can help.
How to Talk to Kids About the California Wildfires
In a previous article for The Everymom, licensed family psychologist Dr. Nina Kaiser said our goal as parents is “to meet our kids where they are at in terms of: 1) their developmental level and 2) the information that they have already” when it comes to talking about natural disasters and other scary events in the news.
Be Honest and Age-Appropriate
Dr. Nina Kaiser shared a helpful conversation opener for young kids aware that something is going on: “A lot of grown-ups are talking about the wildfires in California. Do you have any questions?”
She suggested parents, “stick to the facts, don’t go into too much detail, keep it developmentally appropriate, and make sure that what you’re sharing isn’t unnecessarily scary (which also means monitoring your own thoughts and reactions as an adult).” So for young kids, assure them the firefighters are working hard to put out the fires. And reassure them your family is safe.
Walk Through Your Family’s Safety Plan
Helping kids feel prepared and empowered can alleviate some of their anxiety. If your child is asking questions surrounding fire safety, you can remind them of your family’s safety plan, what to do if they smell smoke, how to call 911, where to go in case of an emergency, etc.
Focus on Helping
When words fail me as a parent during tough times, I often look to the Mr. Rogers quote, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Stories abound of heroic efforts coming out of California: from the neighbors fighting to protect each others’ homes, to the firefighters saving family photographs and wild animals, to the overwhelming number of donations and volunteers helping those who’ve lost everything.
Kids may wonder how they can help, too. Below, are ways families can help those affected by the California wildfires.
How to Help Families Affected by the California Wildfires
If you are feeling able and called to help, here are a few resources to help those affected by the wildfires:
- Baby2Baby – Providing essentials for children and families displaced by wildfires.
- California Fire Foundation – Providing critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve.
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles – Supporting rebuilding efforts for families affected.
- LA Fire Department – Supporting firefighters on the front lines.
- World Central Kitchen – Providing meals to communities facing crisis.
Brands Helping Families Affected by the California Wildfires
A number of brands are coming to the aid of Californians affected by the wildfires—from offering infant formula to car seat replacement to family photo reprints. Here are some of the brands helping families:
- Bobbie LA Relief Fund is offering free formula to families who lost their homes. Those not affected can donate a can of formula here.
- Willow is donating breast pumps to Baby2Baby and families can DM them for direct feeding support.
- Cybex is donating strollers and car seats.
- Babyark is donating car seats.
- Babyletto is donating cribs.
- Posh Peanut is donating essentials and products to families affected through Baby2Baby.
- Angel Dear is sending security blankies to little ones affected.
- Chatbooks is offering to reprint family photos at no charge.
- Babylist is opening their Beverly Hills showroom for families affected by the fires to pick up baby gear and personal care essentials. RSVP here.
Moms @juliabeilman_ and @lauren.kleinman have also collected a spreadsheet of other brands willing to help those affected by the wildfires.
Mental Health Resources for Families Affected by the Fires
As families move out of survival mode, many will need ongoing support. The following people and organizations are offering mental health resources:
- Dr. Becky has a digital resource guide for parents who’ve been affected by the fire and will hold a Live Zoom about Parenting During the LA Wildfires on Thursday, January 16. Register here.
- Chamber of Mothers is partnering with LA-based maternal mental healthcare center Madiva Health to offer a virtual support group led by a therapist and maternal mental health expert at noon every Wednesday starting January 15. DM for information here.
- Call Your Fam is offering free therapy for LA fire victims from a network of over 650 therapists. Complete the form here or text 858-722-1920 to start the process.
Where to Find Information from Trusted Sources
In times of crisis, social media can be an overwhelming place to find trusted information. Here are a few sources for the most up-to-date information on the fires:
Additionally, the California Department of Social Services has compiled a list of resources for those affected.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
A mom of two, Kathy is passionately committed to sharing the honest, helpful—and often humorous—stories of motherhood, as she navigates her own everyday adventures of work, marriage, and parenting. She honed her creative and strategic skills at advertising agencies in Detroit and Chicago, before pivoting from marketing to editorial. Now instead of telling brand stories, she’s sharing her own, with articles published across popular parenting sites—including hundreds of stories on The Everymom.