2025 started off with a spark—literally—for those of us living in Southern California. While my family and I were fortunate not to be directly impacted by the fires, others haven’t been as lucky. Watching the flames spread across the news and monitoring evacuation alerts is an experience that stirs up a whirlwind of emotions: fear, uncertainty, and gratitude all at once. For my kids, it was equally overwhelming. They were glued to updates about containment progress, asking questions I wasn’t fully prepared to answer. And honestly, in the midst of packing a go-bag and prioritizing which possessions to take, I didn’t have all the words to ease their concerns.
But as we slowly transitioned from crisis mode to reflecting on what had just happened, I realized how important it is to help our kids process moments like these. Natural disasters can leave lasting impressions, especially on tweens who are old enough to understand what’s happening but still need guidance to navigate their emotions. Here are some thoughts and tips that can help you talk to your tweens about natural disasters and their mental health, while fostering resilience and hope in the process.
1. Acknowledge Their Emotions
Tweens are perceptive and often pick up on more than we realize. They might feel scared, confused, or even frustrated when faced with uncertainty. Start by creating a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.
What You Can Say:
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“It’s okay to feel scared or worried. I feel that way too, and we can work through it together.”
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“What are you thinking or feeling right now? There’s no wrong way to feel.”
Acknowledging their emotions without dismissing or minimizing them is key to helping them process what’s happening.
2. Focus on Preparedness, Not Fear
One of the best ways to ease anxiety is to focus on what you can control. Walk them through the steps you’re taking to stay safe, like preparing an evacuation plan or packing a go-bag. This not only reassures them but also empowers them to take action.
Tween-Friendly Tips for Building a Go-Bag:
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Pack their favorite snacks, a water bottle, and a comforting item like a stuffed animal or small blanket.
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Don’t forget essentials like phone chargers, hygiene items, and a flashlight.
Explain how each step contributes to their safety: “This is our plan, so we’re ready for anything. Knowing what to do helps keep us safe.”
3. Explain Natural Disasters in Age-Appropriate Terms
Tweens are naturally curious and may ask tough questions like, “Why do fires happen?” or “What happens to people who lose their homes?” Answer honestly but avoid overly graphic details.
How to Explain:
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“Fires can start because of things like hot weather, dry plants, or even accidents. But there are amazing firefighters working hard to stop them.”
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“When people lose their homes, there are organizations and communities that help them rebuild. It takes time, but they aren’t alone.”
You can also use this as an opportunity to teach them about environmental factors, like climate change, in a way they can understand.
4. Support Their Mental Health
Natural disasters can trigger anxiety or stress, even after the immediate danger has passed. Help your tween build healthy coping mechanisms:
Tips to Promote Resilience:
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Encourage Open Conversations: Check in regularly and ask how they’re feeling.
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Practice Mindfulness Together: Simple breathing exercises can help them manage anxiety.
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Limit Media Exposure: Tweens may feel overwhelmed by constant news updates. Set boundaries for when and how they consume information.
What You Can Do as a Family:
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Take a walk together to get fresh air and reset.
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Start a gratitude journal to focus on positive moments, even in challenging times.
5. Find Ways to Give Back
Helping others can give your tween a sense of purpose and hope. Look for opportunities to contribute as a family, whether it’s donating to a relief fund, volunteering, or writing thank-you notes to firefighters.
Ideas for Tweens:
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Create care packages for families who have been displaced.
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Participate in local community donation drives and/or clean-up events once it’s safe.
6. Be a Role Model
Tweens often look to their parents to understand how to react in stressful situations. By staying calm and taking proactive steps, you’re teaching them how to handle challenges with resilience and grace.
A Simple Reminder:
It’s okay to show vulnerability and admit when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It helps them see that even adults have emotions to work through, but we can still focus on solutions.
7. Online Resources for Tween Mental Health
Sometimes, having access to online resources can make a big difference for tweens who may need extra support. Here are a few trusted resources:
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KidsHealth.org: Offers articles and videos tailored for kids and tweens about handling stress, anxiety, and other emotions.
Visit: www.kidshealth.org -
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Provides resources for families to support children dealing with trauma.
Visit: www.nctsn.org -
GoZen: A platform with interactive programs designed to teach kids emotional resilience and mindfulness through fun animations.
Visit: www.gozen.com -
Child Mind Institute: Features practical advice for parents and kids to navigate mental health challenges, including coping with disasters.
Visit: www.childmind.org
By sharing these tools, you can give your tween access to additional guidance as they navigate their feelings and build resilience.
Natural disasters like the LA fires remind us how fragile life can feel, but they also highlight the resilience and strength within our communities. While the experience has been unsettling, it’s also an opportunity to teach our tweens valuable lessons about preparedness, empathy, and hope.
By creating open conversations and fostering mental health, we can help our kids navigate the emotional aftermath of a natural disaster while empowering them to face challenges with confidence. And as we move forward, let’s continue to support one another, offering kindness and compassion to those who need it most.
