11/01/2026
Supporting Our Little Ones Through the Bushfire Emergency in our region:
In times of crisis, like the ongoing bushfire emergency in Victoria, adults naturally feel overwhelmed. But while we’re navigating our own emotions, it’s equally important to support our youngest community members, especially children under 5, through what they see, hear, and feel. These early years form the foundation of how children understand the world, and how safe they feel in it.
👶 Why It Matters
Children under 5 are still developing language, emotional regulation and a sense of security. They may not fully understand what’s happening, but they can sense stress in adults and pick up bits of information from news, conversations, or social media. That can lead to confusion, worry, or changes in behaviour.
🌱 How to Guide the Conversation
Here are gentle, supportive ways to talk with your little ones:
🗣 Use Simple, Reassuring Language
• Keep explanations short and concrete.
• Avoid graphic details that can cause fear.
• Example: “There are big fires in some places. The grown-ups are working hard to keep people and animals safe.”
👂 Listen to Their Concerns
• Encourage them to share how they’re feeling.
• Reflect their emotions without judgment: “That sounds scary for you.”
• Answer questions honestly, but in age-appropriate ways.
❗ Avoid Over-Exposure to News or Adult Conversations
• Young children can absorb more than we realise.
• Watch what’s on around them on TV, phones, or radios.
• Limit exposure and be mindful of what they might overhear.
❤️ Helping Children Feel Safe
Even if the situation around us feels uncertain, children take cues from how adults respond.
💞 Stay Calm (Even When It’s Hard)
• Your calm voice and steady presence help regulate their emotions.
• If you’re upset, that’s okay — but be open about managing your feelings rather than letting them take over.
🏡 Maintain Familiar Routines
• Bedtime, meals, songs and playtime provide structure and predictability.
• Routines are comforting anchors in uncertain times.
🎨 Use Play to Process Feelings
• Drawing, playing with toys, reading together — these help children express things they can’t put into words.
• Pretend play can also help them rehearse confidence and feel more in control.
🐨 Validate Feelings
Understand that reactions may vary:
• Some might cling more to caregivers
• Some might play silently or seem unaffected
• Some might ask the same question repeatedly
All of these are normal.
🧘♀️ Model Healthy Coping
Sharing simple coping tools helps them learn self-regulation:
• Deep breaths together
• Gentle movement or stretching
• Singing a favourite song
🌟 Focus on What’s Being Done
Children feel safer when they know people are helping:
• Firefighters, neighbours, volunteers
• People making sure animals are safe
• Families looking after each other
Even if they don’t grasp the full situation, reassurance that others are working to help can be comforting.
It has been so incredible watching the communities stand together and we are so lucky we live in an area where people just want to help!
Give your little ones a squeeze and remind them that in Australia we really are the lucky country, when we face hard times we all face it together ❤️
