Over this summer a lot of our children will have had exposure to the bush fires in one way or another.
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Some experiences will have been more direct and my heart goes out to those families who have lost their homes and their livelihoods.
Some children may have family members who are involved in fire fighting, and will recognise the concern held by their family for that member, and the impact these direct experiences have on their loved one.
Other children have less direct experiences but may be exposed to the varieties of reports about the fires, and will have experienced the smoke haze that makes the fires more real to them.
Children's reactions to their different kinds of exposures will vary but there is no doubt that some children will be traumatised by whatever their experiences have been. Children demonstrate their trauma through their behaviour. You may see changes in the way they play, or in the pictures they draw.
They may show regression in their development, so that a toddler who is toilet trained may start wetting again. Sleep may be troubled and children might have nightmares. Children may be more irritable, angry or have more tantrums. They may become fussy eaters, or become more clingy. Some children may become more withdrawn or have problems concentrating.
It is important that we ensure children feel safe. We need to provide reassurance that they are loved and safe. We need to accept their feelings and where possible, encourage children to talk about what they are feeling.
Our own emotions are also important - children may not believe their feelings are okay if we try to hide those same feelings in ourselves. Often children (and many adults) find it hard to talk about their feelings so we can provide instead different opportunities to express emotions through play - using drawing, play dough, drama, dance and any other medium of interest.
It is important not to hide reality but to make sure children have the facts. What is hidden can often feel more scary than reality. It is not uncommon for children to misunderstand situations so providing calm and clear information can be helpful.
Be careful in how you share facts and in the choice of what you do share. Children do not need constant exposure to dramatic media as this may function to retraumatise them. However, a calm sharing of information delivered in ways that they can understand can help. Conversations between adults can often go into details that children do not need to hear so be aware of conversations held within children's hearing.
It is equally important for adults to look after themselves as traumatised parents have limited emotional resources to spare to support their children. Traumatic situations can often serve to bring communities together and there is absolutely no shame in seeking support from others at time such as these.
Teachers and educators working with children also need to be aware of the signs of trauma in children and families and be willing to seek support for themselves so they can be effective parts of resilient community networks.
It is important to also remember that reactions to trauma do not necessarily disappear as time passes; rather trauma can have long-term impacts and children may need support for many years afterwards, as may their families and educators.