Your school-age kids (ages 6 to 12)

Retelling, worry, and guilt, and how to help.

What you might see (and it's normal)

Telling the story of the fire again and again. Big worries that it will happen again. Trouble concentrating or sleeping. Guilt, like they did something wrong or could have stopped it. Irritability. Not wanting to go to school.

What helps

Let them talk and ask questions. Answer honestly, and keep it simple.
Gently correct scary misunderstandings about what happened or what's coming.
Name feelings as normal. Fear, sadness, and anger all belong here.
Keep routines going, and limit scary media.
Tell their teacher if worry is getting in the way of focus, so school can support them too.

Why this happens for them

At this age kids understand more, which means they can also blame themselves or imagine the worst. Talking it through and correcting the distortions helps more than telling them not to worry.

Caring for yourself too? See Self care.

If you or your child needs support right now, you're not alone. Call or text 988, or text HOME to 741741, any time. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.