Child therapist reveals how wildfire victims help their children cope with trauma

therapist says survivor California wildfires Children can be helped to heal from the trauma of leaving behind everything they knew by continuing their daily lives, providing an empathetic ear, and reinforcing their safety.

As of Saturday, officials said at least 30 people were still missing and two more were dead, bringing the death toll to 27 even as firefighters continued to battle wildfires in Los Angeles County.

"Many children are facing the devastation of California's fires. As parents and caregivers, it is critical to support children during this crisis and provide them with space to share what they are seeing, hearing and feeling," the center's clinical said Director Dr. Cindy Davis. Positive Developments in Pasadena, California told Fox Digital News. "Encourage them to share their experiences and be open to any form of communication. Some may repeat the same stories, while others may be reluctant to talk more. Let them choose when and how to share. Consider your What is your child's experience with a disaster - did they evacuate, see a house on fire, or witness fear? Especially with younger children, pay attention to the themes in their play as this often reflects their worries and helps them process their feelings. ”

California wildfires: Basic phone numbers for Los Angeles area residents and how to help them

Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, explains, fire has been caused "A huge and ongoing loss" for both adults and children.

A burned-out classic car sits like a ghost after being destroyed by wildfire on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Altadena, California. (Derek Shook, Fox News Digital)

"The most important thing for children right now is that they feel they and you, their parents, are safe," she advises. "Parents should always explain, 'We are safe because,' or 'This is our safety plan,' or 'We need to activate our safety plan, and once we get there, I can answer all your questions.' Expect and answer Children's recurring concerns about their own safety and the safety of their loved ones. Try doing something nice together to make everyone feel safe, like reminding them that no matter what you've lost, the most important thing is that you are together, and no matter where you are. Home is safe.”

One way to help children feel safe in difficult situations Moving chaos Let them express their preferences for things they can control, such as a new room, school or activities, therapist Samantha Silverman, LCSW, told Fox News Digital.

"Plan activities together, explore a new city, and make it feel like home," Silverman suggests. “Maintain a consistent routine that provides stability and security. Incorporate comforting traditions or activities that remind them of home, such as family meals or bedtime rituals. Encourage participation by exploring a new city together, visiting local parks, schools, or Community or extracurricular activities to help them make new friends and build a sense of belonging.”

Children "need extra support" during this time, explains Josh Feder, M.D., a child psychiatrist in La Jolla, Calif., who advises parents to make sure children are in a safe place with fresh air and warns against watching Fire news around kids.

"Use alerts on your phone to get important updates," he says. "It's important to tell the truth, but don't make it too scary. For example, 'Our house burned down, but we are safe now.'" Our job is to protect children and make them feel as safe as possible! "

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A helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Ethan Swope/AP)

Saltz explained that while wildfires are stressful for adults and children, they can get through them.

"Human resilience is such that most people will eventually overcome these losses and get their lives back, but the more coping tools and support they are given, the more likely and less painful that will be," she explain.

Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.