Supporting Our Children Through Bushfire Recovery
Photo: Kate Pilgrim
Over the past few months, the Wimmera has once again felt the devastating impact of bushfires.
For some of our children, this was their first experience of such an event.
The thick smoke, blaring sirens, anxious adult conversations, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty created a frightening scene—one that can have lasting emotional effects.
Understanding the importance of supporting children through these challenges, the By Five Paediatric Team reached out to clinical psychologist and Dimboola local, Dr. Nyree, to lead an online session for local professionals.
This session provided a space for over 30 dedicated individuals to come together, share insights, and discuss strategies to help children and families navigate the emotional toll of bushfire trauma.
By Five Project Manager Tracey reflects on her own experience and shares her thoughts below;
I used to love the smell of smoke. It reminded me of camping at Easter with friends, happy memories of my youth and it often prompted me to write ‘marshmallows’ on the shopping list ready for toasting on the next campfire. There was nothing better than raking and burning dry leaves and burning them when the wind was in the right direction to avoid annoying our neighbours or getting ash on the freshly washed clothes.
In 2015, that all changed. Like many people in the Wimmera, we witnessed the destructive impact of fire. It was scary, unpredictable, heartbreaking and on our doorstep. Our family was separated for a couple of days and that was tough, but we were safe. The smell of smoke became a ‘trigger’ and a memory of a difficult time. Lighting a fire in cooler months lost its appeal. My clever brain had created a new neuro pathway to protect myself and my family, to remind me to stay together, to be on alert!
Over the past couple of months, there has been no shortage of smoke, it spread far and wide. Members of our community have been ‘on alert’ for an extended period. It has once again been heartbreaking to see further destruction, losses and fear in our local community. For some of our children it will have been their first experience of bushfires, for others it may not be the first time, regardless, they look to the trusted adults in their world on how to manage the situation. They will follow our lead.
Firstly, we need to look after ourselves, regulate our own emotions and feelings. Self-care is not selfish, it is an investment. ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’, as the saying goes.
The children in our lives may display a variety of responses that come and go after a natural disaster and some will show none at all, depending on their age, personality and past experiences. As we know, shielding our children from media coverage, especially visual sources, is important as the content is pitched at adult audiences. However, it is impossible to avoid seeing the increased presence of emergency services. This can be exciting for some children, go unnoticed by others and concerning for some. For the latter category while acknowledging their feelings, it is important to reassure them of their safety, model positive language and an optimistic mindset and say things like, “We are lucky to have some great helpers keeping us safe!”
Experts agree that when it is safe to do so, it is helpful for children to get back to a regular routine, but being with their loved ones is the priority. We need to give children the opportunity to talk about the situation. During this time, we may need to be more patient and find extra time for children. Health professionals note that younger children may have more physiological or behavioural signs: tummy ache, feeling ‘funny’, headache and so on. It might sound like … “Nanny can you play with me?” or “I can’t get to sleep” and not “I am scared about the fires.” Some children may be more inclined to talk about their worries or feelings. As adults we can be there to listen and give them the language (name their feelings) to help navigate and express their emotions.
The good news is, children are active participants in their own recovery from living through what could have been a stressful event. Healthy relationships will be paramount and having time together is what both children and adults need while our nervous systems recover. There are a number of incredible resources available to help families and support children in this recovery stage such as the ones listed at the end of this piece.
It has been almost 10 years, and I have started to enjoy the smell of campfire smoke and toasted marshmallows again, but it’s different. It took time. I had to go slow, lean on my support networks and be patient with myself and little ones around. Last week I read of how the Rock Wallaby’s in the Grampians – Gariwerd National Park and other native animals are being supported in their recovery by Parks Victoria. How wonderful to read of food drops (via helicopters and drones), surveillance by experts and ‘marsupial hotels’ being placed for shelter. Maybe we are more like the Rock Wallaby than we knew.
For further support, contact a local health or education professional or view:
Kaniva Kindergarten welcome Firefighter Tom
