Offering Comfort in Scary Times
Ways to comfort children through scary times.
Watch the video together and let kids know it’s good to ask questions about the [scary or confusing] things happening around them. Here are more ways you can offer your child comfort:
- Give your child a comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket.
- Hold hands and snuggle often.
- Choose one routine you can all count on to continue even when your situation or location has changed, such as the same lullaby every night, or observing the shape of the moon before bed.
- Look for the “helpers.” Focus on all the people around you working to make things better.
- “Belly breathe!” Put your hands on your bellies and take three deep breaths in and out, feeling your bellies rise and fall. Put a stuffed animal on your child’s belly and have them “rock it to sleep” as they breathe.
- Try to prevent children from seeing disturbing images on television or online.
Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.
Crayon Power
Coloring together can soothe both children and grown-ups.
Comfy-Cozy Blanket
A simple blanket can become a great tool to help children feel safe, soothed, and loved.
Here for Each Other Family Guide: Wildfires
This family guide has tips and activities that offer comfort and reassurance before, during, or after a wildfire.
Wildfires: Color & Learn
An activity book that explores strategies to prevent, prepare for, and protect from wildfire—for children and grown-ups alike.
Teaching Wildfire Safety
Learn some simple age-appropriate answers to questions children might have about wildfire.
Wildfire Safety: Prevent, Prepare, Protect
A webinar with wildfire expert Teresa Neal from the U.S. Fire Administration about involving children in wildfire preparedness.
