Looking after children who have been affected by bushfires: Guidelines for parents and caregivers

>> Download PDF version of guidelines - Acrobat icon - small (170kb)

Thousands of people have been affected by the recent bushfires in Victoria. A large number of these are children who have suffered enormous losses, lived through terrifying experiences and witnessed horrific events. Many other children have suffered indirectly, through hearing about the fires or knowing someone who has died or been badly injured. These are all highly traumatic experiences for children.

Impact of trauma on children

People cope with trauma in different ways and there is no one 'standard' pattern of reaction to the stress of traumatic experiences. Children are not always able to express complex feelings in the same direct way that adults do and therefore do not often show the same reactions to stress as adults. It is therefore very important to look out for changes in children's behaviour that suggest they are unsettled or distressed.

Reactions to the trauma of the bushfires may result in changes to children's normal behaviour such as:

  • Changes in their play, drawing, dreams or spontaneous conversations
  • Regressive behaviour - children behaving younger than they normally do
  • Nightmares
  • Anxiety about sleeping alone
  • Trouble getting to sleep
  • Irritability or anger
  • Tantrums
  • Fussy eating
  • Withdrawing
  • Wanting to stay close to a parent
  • Problems concentrating at school

Children are usually very resilient and for most children these reactions will gradually reduce over time with the support of families.

How you can help your children recover

After a traumatic event, children need comfort, reassurance and support, and to know that they are safe and are being looked after. Try to spend more time with your children and provide them with plenty of affection through cuddles and hugs. Sometimes children can better express their feelings through play than through words, so make time to play with them. Let them be more dependent on you for a while and try to re-establish daily routines, for example routines around mealtimes, bedtimes or returning to school where possible.

Find out what your children know in case they have mistaken ideas or facts about the bushfires, and correct any misconceptions. Keep your responses appropriate to the age of your child and also appropriate to the child's level of understanding and emotional maturity. Young children often need reassurance more than facts.

Listen to your children's concerns. Listen closely to what they are asking or saying, and think about whether they are looking for factual information, or if the questions are expressing anxiety about the bushfires. Try to keep your own feelings to yourself when talking about their feelings. Let them know that you understand how they feel.

Monitor how much your children are being exposed to media stories of the bushfires. Children can become retraumatised by watching repeated images on the television and it is best to try to shield them from the media.

Be aware of how you talk. Adults need to be conscious of the presence of children when discussing the bushfires. It is a good idea not to let children overhear adult conversations about worrying things if they cannot join in at their own age or stage of development.

And most importantly, look after yourself as it is likely that you have also experienced the bushfire trauma. When parents are feeling cared for themselves they are better able to respond to the needs of their children.

Seeking further help

While most children will bounce back after a trauma, some children may show prolonged distress and could benefit from professional assistance. Children who are more at risk of developing more lasting problems are those who have lost family and friends, those who have been seriously injured or witnessed horrific scenes, and those who have developed problems in response to past traumas.

Warning signs of more significant and lasting distress in children include:

  • Continual and aggressive emotional outbursts
  • Serious problems at school 
  • Preoccupation with the bushfires
  • Intense anxiety or emotional difficulties

A qualified mental health professional such as a psychologist can help such children and their parents or caregivers to understand and deal with the thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with the trauma of the bushfires. Speak to your GP about a referral to a psychologist or phone the APS Find a Psychologist service on 1800 333 497. Alternatively, you can locate a psychologist in your area by visiting the APS Find a Psychologist website - www.findapsychologist.org.au.

Back to top

APS Tip Sheets

APS Tip Sheets inform you about a range of psychological issues and how psychologists can help.

Preparing for and coping with the threat and experience of natural disasters

Understanding and managing psychological trauma

Back to top

Coping with the Victorian Bushfires information sheet

The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health has put together a useful information sheet to help people cope with the impact of the Victorian bushfires.

Psychological Preparedness brochure

The following brochure, Psychological Preparedness, provides some helpful tips for managing emotions during the bushfire season.

Bushfire information package for women

Women's Health Victoria has put together a women’s health information package and other resources to assist in the initial and ongoing stages of recovery for those affected by the Victorian bushfires and other disaster situations.

How to donate to the Red Cross 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

To donate to the Red Cross 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund:

  • Visit www.redcross.org.au 
  • Phone 1800 811 700 
  • Visit any NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Bank branch 
  • Visit any Bunnings store 
  • By direct deposit to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund:
    BSB: 082-001
    Account number: 860-046-797

Donations can also be made to the Myer Bushfire Appeal by visiting any Victorian Myer store. All proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Back to top