In the wake of a crisis or tragic event, like the current fires in Los Angeles, parents and caregivers may struggle with how to best communicate with and support their children. On this page, experts share tips and tools to initiate the conversation, use age appropriate language, correct misinformation and validate our children’s feelings. Equally important, to check-in with ourselves first. For instructions to view this page in Spanish, click on en Español.

Wildfire Resources and Support

Support for families affected by the Los Angeles wildfires

• To receive accurate information about evacuation orders, emergency notifications and evacuation resources, go to the County of Los Angeles emergency response page.

• If you have suffered loss due to the fires, contact FEMA at disasterassistance.gov, or call (800) 621-3362

• For accommodations, visit Wildfire Relief Accommodations, listed by Discover Los Angeles and Emergency AirBnB.org Support.

• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Click on accompanying image for more information.

Talking guides and emotional support for children

• Click on the image to access advice from National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) on how to help children after a natural disaster.

• The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) offers current information, tips and insight for parents to help their children during this challenging time.

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides a PDF with Parent Guidelines for helping children affected by the wildfires.

• The Center for Connection provides a resource list that includes emotional support and messaging for children.

• Click on the Good Inside pdfs provided below for talking scripts and insight.

• Watch the accompanying video, Name it to Tame It for parenting strategies with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Families Connected resources: strategies to effectively talk with children and teens during crisis

Helping youth manage overwhelming emotions

Help those in need

Our community partner, Beach Cities Health District, has compiled an excellent list of reputable organizations making a difference.

Additional Traumatic Events

Helping youth manage emotions during crisis or trauma

• How to Ask What Kids Are Feeling (Child Mind Institute)

• Guide: Helping Children Cope After a Trauma - Age specific and in all languages (Child Mind Institute)

Discussing school safety

• Click on the image to enlarge a helpful pdf, or Access the full article, Talking with Children About Violence from NASP, including translations in other languages.

• Promoting Compassion and Acceptance in Crisis (NASP)

• School Security Measurers and Their Impact on Students (NASP)

• Mitigating Negative Psychological Effects of School Lockdowns (NASP)

• Prevent Gun Violence by Knowing the Signs (Sandy Hook Promise)

Supporting youth during times of war and terrorism

• Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media)

• What to Say When the News Is Scary (NPR Lifekit)

• How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War (Common Sense Media)

• Anger Can Be Contagious - Here’s How to Stop the Spread (KQED/MindShift)

• Helping Children Cope With Terrorism: Tips for Families and Educators (National Association of School Psychologists)

• Terrorism and War: How to Talk to Children (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)

• Table Talk: Family Conversations About Current Events (The ADL)

• Tips for Talking with Children and Youth After a Traumatic Event - age specific PDF (SAMHSA)

• 5 Tips for Talking with Kids About What’s Going On (Greater Good Magazine)

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)

Talking with our children about racism, hate and violence

• Talking to Children After Racial Incidents (Penn GSE)

• Talking with Kids About Hate in Media (Media Smarts)

• Discussing Hate and Violence With Children:  A guide and downloadable brochure in English or Spanish (The ADL)

• Talking with Your Children About Tragic Events (The Dougy Center)

• What Estranged Families Can Teach Us About the Political Divide (Greater Good Magazine)

Talking with your children in the aftermath of gun violence

• How to Help Children Cope with a Gun Violence Tragedy (Sandy Hook Promise)

• Helping Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Psychological Association)

• How to talk to children about shootings: An age-by-age guide (Today.com)

• How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings (Child Mind Institute)

• What to Say to Kids About School Shootings to Ease Their Stress (NPR)

• Nine Tips for Talking to Kids About Trauma (Greater Good Science Center)

• A PDF on Talking to Kids About School and Community Shootings (National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement)

Helping youth discern between fact and fiction

• Best News Sources for Kids by age (Common Sense Media)

• How to Think Like a Fact Checker (Screenagers)

• Help Students Fact Check the Web Like Pros (Common Sense Media)

• Teens Need To Be Able To Discern Fact from Fiction (Education Week)

• Real News, Fake News or Opinion - Teaching our Students to Discern the Difference (KQED)

  
  
  
  

  
  

Related Families Connected Resources

Related resources for parents and guardians

Access resources created for teens

For More Youth Wellness Resources, Visit: