It’s been a very sombre start to 2020 in Australia. I know I’m not alone in saying it’s been difficult watching from afar as the country is facing this horrific crisis, feeling helpless and wondering how I can help.
While I try and consolidate my own feelings and find ways to contribute, I’m hyper aware of our kids. I can only imagine it’s 100 times more scary for them. Talking with other educators about the impact on our kids, here are some ways we’ve identified how we can support them through this crisis calmly and thoughtfully.
Talk about it
So often, when big and scary things are happening we try to shield children as much as possible. But, kids are smart. They’re going to hear about what’s happening from friends, conversations they overhear and from TV. It’s the topic on the tip of everyones tongue. Acknowledge that it is happening and that it is okay to have questions and conversations about it. It’s important to let our kids know that it’s okay to talk about anything, especially the big scary stuff. It’s perfectly normal to have big feelings in a crisis. Make sure you let them know that.
Reassure them
Remind them that they’re safe and it’s okay to be scared. You’re right there with them. We are all having so many emotions on the daily and our young ones are likely feeling the same mixed bag. Give them a safe place for them to explore their emotions and process what is happening. A calm, nurturing environment supports brain function and provides a sense of safety. “Am I really safe?” will inevitably be in the back of their minds.
Save your frustration or political views for another time when little ears won’t overhear. This will cause unnecessary stress even if they don’t show it.
Be part of the solution
Children thrive when they feel like part of the solution. That goes for adults too - I know how much it’s helped me to find ways that I can help. Make a plan together and come up with ways for them to get involved. This could be writing letters to the children affected by the fires or drawing a "Thank you" picture for the brave firefighters. When children have a role their brain is better equipped to process stress which helps them feel safe again.
I think it’s important to make sure we stop and look at the positives at a time like this. There are so many communities and people, both in Australia and all around the world, digging deep and contributing - time, money, ideas, using their networks to organise ways to get supplies to affected areas and families who’ve found themselves without a home. People everywhere are doing whatever they can. Focussing on the good stuff, like humanity pulling together, is energy well spent and helps bring our focus to the positive things that are in our power to change.