Wildfire survivors can learn from therapists how to assist their children in overcoming trauma.

Survivors of the California wildfires can aid their children in overcoming the trauma of losing everything by maintaining their routines, offering a sympathetic ear, and emphasizing their safety.

Officials on Saturday reported that at least 30 people are still missing and two more deaths have been confirmed, bringing the total to 27, as fire crews continue to battle the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County.

"The fires in California are causing devastation for many children. As parents and caregivers, it is essential to support children during this crisis by giving them space to share their experiences and being open to any form of communication. Encourage children to share their experiences and let them choose when and how to share. Consider your child's experience with the disaster and use it to guide your conversations. For younger children, pay attention to the themes in their play as it often reflects their concerns and helps them process their feelings."

The ongoing loss for both adults and children due to the fires was explained by Dr. Gail Saltz, an associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell School of Medicine.

"To ensure children feel safe, parents should explain their safety plan and reassure them that they are safe. Parents should address repeated concerns about safety and demonstrate that it feels safe to be together through activities like playing a game. The most important thing is that parents are together and safe, regardless of what they have lost. Home will always be where they are."

Allowing children to choose certain aspects of their new environment, such as a new room, school, or activity, can help them feel more secure during a relocation, according to therapist Samantha Silverman, LCSW.

"Silverman proposed that we plan activities together to explore the new city and make it feel like home. To provide a sense of stability and security, we should maintain consistent daily routines. We can also incorporate comforting traditions or activities that remind them of home, such as family meals or bedtime rituals. To help your child acclimate, we can explore the new city together, visit local parks, schools or libraries. Encouraging participation in community or extracurricular activities can help them make new friends and build a sense of belonging."

Dr. Josh Feder, a child psychiatrist from La Jolla, Calif., advised parents to ensure their children are in a safe environment with clean air and to avoid exposing them to news of the fires. He emphasized that children require additional support during this time.

"It's crucial to convey the truth without causing fear. For instance, 'Our house caught fire, but we're okay now.' Our duty is to safeguard children and make them feel secure."

While wildfires can be stressful for both adults and children, they can overcome the hardship, as Saltz explained.

She stated that the human capacity for resilience is strong enough for most individuals to recover from their losses, but the more coping mechanisms and support they receive, the more likely they are to do so and the less difficult the process will be.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.