Helping Your Children When Scary Things Happen

RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES


It is hard to digest the unthinkable impact of the wildfire spreading across our Los Angeles community this week. It is even harder to know how to comfort and support our children in the face of trauma. Our team of child and family experts have put together a resource list to get you started. 

A Terrible Thing Happened book: https://www.amazon.com/Terrible-Thing-Happened-Margaret-Holmes/dp/1557987017

Resources for Supporting Children During the Fires (From UCLA Ties)

  • Trinka and Sam: The Big Fire

    • This storybook from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) helps young children and their families talk about feelings and worries after experiencing a large-scale fire. 

    • PDF version available here. Spanish, Portuguese, and Greek translations are available as well. 

    • Audiobook version available here.

  • Wildfire Resources Guide

    • Resources Developed by NCTSN to support children, families, and communities in wildfire preparation, safety, and recovery.

  • Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Arson and Fires 

    • This fact sheet from NCTSN guides parents on supporting their children after an arson or fire, outlining common reactions, coping strategies, and self-care tips.

  • Help Kids Cope App 

    • This app from NCTSN supports parents in discussing natural disasters with their children. It includes age-specific scripts and resources to explain, prepare, respond, heal, and learn. 

    • Download directly from the App Store or Google Play, or visit here

Helpful pdfs from National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network:

Kids’ book recommendations about wildfires from librarian Mychal Threets: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEpvaJGvkQi/?img_index=3&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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