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Bush Fire & Children's Emotional Recovery

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22.01.2022 Update two. Refer to First Rainbow Forest Program post from Taree Community Noticeboard shared on this page.

21.01.2022 Earlier this year bushfires, drought and water restrictions were followed by flood in the Manning Valley on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Just as the burnt forest began greening again we were arranging transport of our Rainbow Eucalyptus from Qld. Then this pandemic closed borders and sent us into isolation. We are now ready to begin planning for spring plantings. Bobin School will most likely be our first site. The children of Bobin have returned to a new school after their... old school was destroyed in the Eastern Coast Bushfires. However many families are still living in temporary accommodation and the emotional affects of feeling forgotten are begining to be felt by many. Nehemiah and Ezra have not forgotten the children of Bobin and have given their own birthday money to restart the campaign after talking about how many Rainbow Eucalyptus they could buy if they combined their money. Please donate if you can as every gift counts and share where ever you can. It is the vision of these two young boys who inspired this page to start with. Right now bushfires may seem a distant memory but those feelings of anxiety will return with next season. We want to be not only better prepared but more emotionally resilient. My son's believe planting Rainbow Eucalyptus will build a stronger and safer community for children affected by bushfires.

19.01.2022 IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO CHILDREN DURING FLOOD AND NATURAL DISASTERS. 1. Reassure you wil always keep them safe. 2. Provide clear explanations. 3. Avoid letting them watch disaster news or adult discussions.... 4. Avoid catastrophising in front of them. (don't talk about your own fears of the worst case scenario). FOR CHILDREN 5 YEARS AND UNDER. 1. Provide clear explanations in language they understand eg we have to stay somewhere safe until the flood goes away. 2. Let them know good people are helping. 3. Expect a return to more childish behaviours (avoid punishments). 4. Let them help in small ways at home and in community eg send a thankyou letter to emergency services FOR CHILDREN 6 to 11 YEARS. 1. Ask them what they understand and how they feel about it. Fear can be based on misinformation. 2. Allow them to ask questions but try not to focus on it for long. Focus on the present instead. 3. Keep regular routine and allow them to play. 4. Allow them to make decisions and feel in control. 5. Give them choices (even more important now) eg what to wear, what food to eat, family activities. 7. Allow them to cry and be angry. FOR ALL CHILDREN. 1. Spend extra time with them. 2. Let them know it is okay to feel upset. It is normal to be angry and scared when things change. 3. Remember there are no bad feelings - just feelings. Give permission to express anger and fear.

18.01.2022 Although this is confronting, I watched it with my seven and nine year old and asked for feedback. It made the seven year old sad but happy because the trees and animals got hurt but people are making it better. The nine year old said 'information about everyone helping makes me feel safe. If you struggle having conversations with your children watch the stories of the children from some of our worst affected communities. Their resilience is inspiring and openess insightful... Rose the rookie reporter from Cobargo bought me to tears. This is useful page and resource to use with school age children. https://www.abc.net.au//classroom/20200204-ep1-btn/11911010

17.01.2022 Another good resource for talking to young children about floods. https://www.google.com/url

17.01.2022 During times of family stress such as natural disasters or just getting out the door for school remember children need help managing their emotions too. We could all use this at these times.

16.01.2022 Most adults are naturally inclined to shield a child from pain rather than help them confront it. Most parents and carers are unaware that children are greater experts in protecting them. Children will often bury their fears and distress if they think it will upset a parent. So while the best person to help a child confront their fears is a trusted parent or carer many children grow up with childhood fears deeply buried. Why then do children's needs to talk about their fears... get overlooked? In events like bushfires it is often because parents and carers:- 1. feel guilty for not having protected the child and want everything resolved quickly; 2. believe it is harmful to go over painful or distressing events; 3. believe it is harmful because the child's behaviour becomes worse after it's mentioned; and/or 4. the child's working through triggers feelings to the parent or carers own past and present traumas. Join the Rainbow Forest Parents Group to explore how these factors might be preventing you from talking to your children during and after bushfires.

16.01.2022 For those who would like to do more to help children develop skills and resilience after bushfires and natural disasters why not enquire about joining this program.

16.01.2022 This page will continue to provide public posts of information that may help parents, carers, families and communities consider childrens emotional needs during and after bush fires. A group has been established to provide a safe community to talk about helping children. This group is to offer practical advice and share knowledge and experience. It is not a counselling page and if evidence of trauma requiring professional assistance arises a private message will follow with ...suggestions of where a parent or child might receive appropriate supports. The moderator of the group is a professional with 30 years experience workingwith children and adults affected by loss and grief and trauma. However the main focus of this group is the concept of parent as co-therapist. Parents and carers are the ones who have deep trusting relationships with their children and know their children best. They can be trusted when given a choice of evidence based research and practice wisdom of what will work for their children. Please join or send invites. Questions and rules need to be answered to join. Welcome to the Rainbow Forest Parents Group inspired by two young compassionate boys who want children to feel safe again.

15.01.2022 Another part of the Rainbow Forest Project is community engagement for children. The project will commence in the Manning Great Lakes area. It is intended to provide opportunities for children to develop Rainbow Forest Gardens while being introduced to information about hwo will keep them safe during and after bushfires. This will provide parents the opportunity to attend a workshop in talking to their children about bushfires. Hopefully if the project is successful we woul...d like to see other communities take on the project as well. Stay tuned there are a number of update posts. All posts are addressed to Taree and surrounding communities. Please note if wanting Rainbow Eucalyptus trees or seeds seek details on this page as you will end up disappointed if you end up with non genuine seeds or trees.

14.01.2022 If you are interested in learning more about the Rainbow Forest Program please refer to two previous posts on the Bush Fire & Childen's Emotional Recovery Facebook Page for further information. This is the third in a series of posts from the Taree Community Noticeboard concerning the Rainbow Forest Program. If you are interested in genuine Rainbow Eucalyptus either request information on this page or the Rainbow Eucalyptus Australia Facebook Page.

13.01.2022 Helping children affected by floods. Advice from psychologists. https://www.google.com/url

13.01.2022 Children often struggle to find the words to talk about fears or scary emotions. They communicate with behaviour that often leads to them getting into trouble. After distressing or traumatic events such as bushfires and natural disasters it's not uncommon for children to misbehave. Its not a time for punishment but a sign they are communicating an emotional needs. Closeness, reassurance that a parent or carer will keep them safe, more cuddles and attention, and someone to li...sten without judgment are simple things a parent or carer can do. If anxiety persists in spite of talking, reassuring and spending extra time with a child, professional help might be necessary. If you are worried about your child's anxiety and an increase in the 8 behaviours listed below see your GP about a mental health care plan (it does not mean your child has a mental disorder). Childhood anxiety is covered for 10 sessions under medicare. If the anxiety is linked to bushfires your child(ren) are entitled to 15 medicare funded sessions with a psychologist or therapist of your choice.

13.01.2022 This printable crossword is a useful tool to begin a discussion with middle primary school aged and older children. Work on it as a team rather than getting them to do it. Use it as both an educational tool and to begin to see your gaps in knowledge as well as the elements of bush fire risk and preparation that your children are most concerned about. Vist CFA Victoria for more information on talking to children. https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au//e5433649-aa1b-852b-dbf4-93597b

11.01.2022 Children live in family and communities. We need to rebuild ourselves and our communities for in the end we are the Rainbow Forest.

08.01.2022 We went through the fires and evacuated twice in the Manning Great Lakes. My children were fortunate that I have a background in children's programs and theraputic interventions. When I began to research for children's emotional recovery from bushfire there was very little, other than lots of redirection to counselling services. My children saw how much I helped them so asked me to start a project for them where other children could get information. So this page is for parent...s to access information for talking to children and focuses on a broader community engagement project. Even though I have theraputic training and extensive experience working with children this page still refers people back to sites like the NSW Government page. When dealing with children and adults with trauma, particularly Complex-PTSD appropriately qualified professionals should always take the lead. I have worked closely with teams in Community Health across 30 years and have the utmost respect for a vital interagency partner. Feel free to look at the page for Bushfire & Children's Emotional Recovery - Rainbow Forest Project or join the attached group. Any one identified as needing professional support will be referred back to Community Health as the lead agency. My motto 'in all our good intentions, still, do no further harm.' See more

08.01.2022 When we feel afraid comforting others restores our own sense of safety. Today was my turn for tears. One new fire that keeps flaring up is three kilometres away, three others at five, 11 and 13 kilometres. All under control while we have the ground crews to get to them. Still the air is full of smoke and its hard to know where it is coming from. ... If the fires return I have no choice, but again get my children out of one of two roads, or be forced into the ocean. Today with smoke and overhead planes and no internet reading, I had no idea of what conditions were like, as I went to pick up my children from their fun day out. I realised as I stopped for petrol, that I only have enough money to get me into town if another fire threatens and the route remains open. If not, and it is needed, the detour will see me having to beg for petrol at the all night station half way. That is what caused me to break down. Not that I would have to beg, but knowing that telling the attendant that I had two children I had given my promise to keep safe, would likely result in my tank being filled and my children given ice creams for the journey. It was recognisng that my fear is reflected all over our nation, and that ordinary people with the same fears are opening their arms to strangers. It is this knowledge that bought me to tears. We are changed for the better by the worst of times. Fear will now be our silent companion but by compassion to others it will not defeat us. This is my sons vision for Rainbow Forest. Our fear is diminished when we give to others. Even though only seven and nine years old. they grasped, that when we feel afraid, comforting others, restores our own sense of safety. I cried because they are my hope. In the coming month my sons will launch their Rainbow Forest Program idea, of a soft beanie boo toy to children affected by bushfires and a Jacaranda garden for a children's centre as a symbol that we can feel safe again if we care for others. Stay tuned as they begin to share their story and seek other peoples involvement in seeing their Rainbow Forest grow.

08.01.2022 A Sunburnt Country. In a matter of weeks we have gone from fires to floods. Preparation and plans to leave early with infants and children is critical. Just leaving for a family outing can be complicated with young children. In the event of an emergency this guide helps prepare for up to three days for infants and toddlers.

08.01.2022 The Rainbow Forest Program that has been posted over the past few days has now been incorporated into the Bush Fire & Children's Emotional Recovery Facebook page. This page and the group attached are intended to provide information and support to parents wanting to help their children over come the distress caused by recent bushfires. It contains resources and links for parents and communities in recovery from bushfires and disasters as well as useful tools and advice for s...haring with children. https://www.facebook.com/pg/caseintegra/posts/?ref=page_internal

08.01.2022 Worrying too much about the risk of bush fires is a sign that some children may need more significant help such as seeing a psychologist or consellor. However not feeling able to express worries can lead to children acting out in other ways as well. Excessive worry and repressed worry can lead to issues of anxiety. Dawn Huebner Ph.D in "What to Do When You Worry Too Much" highlights that when we worry over something too much we grow them into something bigger. Often when chi...Continue reading

06.01.2022 We are yet again in a situation where as adults our world is flooded with information about a new threat. Just like natural disasters children need information as well. The same methods on this page for talking to children about bushfires apply to Corona Virus. Read over previous posts if you need to refresh. 1. Children need to have factual information and not be left with their imagined fears.... 2. Use scaling questions to find out how safe children feel, explore what makes then feel unsafe and then ask what they need to feel safe again. 3.Decatastrophise - listen to the fears and worst case scenarios and then use information to bring it back to a more realistic view. 4. Use the Worry Box ie set aside 15 minutes every day to ask what is worrying them. Tell them if they are worried about Corona Virus to put those worries in their imaginary worry box to discuss at worry time. 5. Do not expose children to repeated media coverage and avoid talking about your fears about the virus. 6. Use Mindheart's guide to discuss Corona Virus and emphasis that you are putting in measures to keep them safe. 7. Don't panic around them. Keep coming back to the things you and they can do to keep them safe. See more

04.01.2022 The biggest fear for parents and carers will be "how do I even start a conversation with my child about how they are feeling about the fires?' What if I give too much information and cause unecessary fear?" (this is the primary purpose of this page, recognising parents and carers have the trusting relationship with their child but not necessarily the skills or knowledge to feel confident in having necessary conversations... this page is to help parents practice and think ...Continue reading

04.01.2022 Barefoot Investor Scott Pape lost his home to bushfire in 2014. He describes how he ran on adrenaline for 3 months and then became depressed. The 12 week mark in PTSD and complex trauma is well known in counselling circles. This is the point when people really need the extra help. Sadly it's often the time that those less affected have moved on and have judged those as surviving on adrenaline as stoic enough to survive. It creates a sense that people have moved on and for...gotten those who are only just moving into the emotional recovery stage (so much has been focused on physical survival until now). We need to recognise the road to recovery will be long and to allow individuals, families and communities to take the time they need to recover; offering support but not expecting a continued stoic ability to move on. Children need the same supports but now have less resilient parents. Help children by supporting their parents and communities. Where you notice friends, family (or even yourself) struggling, encourage them to see their GP for a mental health care plan. You do not need to have a diagnosis of a mental health disorder. Under anxiety and trauma related to bushfires 15 free sessions per year are available to be used with a psychologist or counsellor of your choice. This mental health plan can be accessed for individuals including children. So if you are worried about a parent or child's emotional recovery due to increased anxiety or signs of PTSD professional help is available. As most of the acute symptoms from trauma often only emerge after hours eg when you try to sleep or wake from dreams; Lifeline is available 24/7. Its okay to admit that you have reached the stage when depression sets in. There is no shame in how your body and mind process trauma. https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/get-help-home

03.01.2022 For two young boys to find a voice and a desire to make a difference when we as adults struggle to find a way to improve our world, means a lot. The Lorax is a big influencer in my son's lives. Let it Grow.

02.01.2022 When children are anxious, angry or afraid they often behave in ways that trigger our own unmet emotional needs. They make us angry anxious and afraid and we sometimes react with punishments or time out before recognising they may just need some one to listen to them. Recovery from tauma and emotional distress takes its toll on everyone. Be kind to yourself. When you feel your emotions being triggered by your child, you also have unmet emotional needs. Take a breath, offer a cuddle and a place to talk; or with adolescents a snack and a talk. Building connection will help soothe your exhausted emotions as well.

01.01.2022 How can adults talk to children about bushfire risk and preparation without compromising their sense of safety and security? Concerns about talking to children about bushfire risk It is common for parents and carers to find talking to their children about bushfire risk difficult because they are not sure what to say. ...Continue reading