The recent DANA tragedy has deeply impacted numerous families and communities.

We all feel our hearts heavy and, from within our means, we try to help each one in our own way, contributing our grain of sand.

It is a painful and complex situation for both adults and children, who often listen to our conversations full of concern or see shocking images on television and other channels.

For children, these events can cause confusion, fear and sadness. As adults, it is important that we know how to talk about these issues with them in an understandable and sensitive way, to help them understand what is happening and manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Below I share some practical resources and recommendations to address this issue at home and at school, offering support during this difficult time. 💛

How to talk to children about the DANA tragedy

1. Create a safe space open to dialogue

It is essential that children feel that they have a safe place to express your emotions and thoughts. This implies listen without judging and allow them to speak at their own pace and no pressure. An emotionally supportive environment can help them better process what happened.

2. Adapt the language according to their age and maturity

Each stage of development requires a different approach. Young children, for example, need a simple and direct language, avoiding words that may scare, unless they are explained adequately.

For older children, it may be helpful to share specific details, using a map or supporting images if necessary so they understand the context. It is natural that some children want to understand what happened. Offer a simple, sincere and coherent narrative It helps them process the event better and reduce their confusion or fear. It is important avoid lies or oversimplifications, since sooner or later they will discover the truth and this could erode their trust in adults.

3. Validate your emotions

It is common for children to experience fear, sadness, anger, or confusion after a traumatic event. All of these emotions are valid. and it is important for adults to recognize them. Phrases like “It's normal to feel this way” o “It is understandable that you are afraid” They can offer them the validation they need and help them feel understood.

4. Don't force dialogue

If a child is not ready to talk, it is essential to respect their space. Communication should not be forced. Instead, we can offer quiet moments so that they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts when they feel ready. Insisting on talking about the topic when the child is not willing can increase his anxiety and rejection.

5. Avoid “law of silence”

Sometimes, with the best of intentions, adults avoid talking about painful topics to “protect” to the children. However, this can lead to a lack of understanding of the event and children feeling confused and helpless. It's better integrate what happened in daily life and allow the child to ask questions whenever you want.

6. The value of resilience and solidarity

It is essential to help children develop resilience, making them see that, although painful events occur in life, there are always people who support and care for them. Talking to them about the work of firefighters, doctors, and other professionals who help in emergencies can give them a sense of security and hope.

It is also important allude to the solidarity and support of the community, showing how together we are capable of overcoming the greatest challenges. People from different places have mobilized to help those who have lost so much, offering financial support, donating essential materials or physically collaborating in the rescue and cleanup efforts. From neighboring communities to people from other parts of the country and the world, help comes in the form of donations, clothing, food and even accommodation for families who have lost everything. In addition, we see how groups of volunteers collaborate in the rescue and recovery of affected areas, working hand in hand with emergency services. This type of union and cooperation is essential at this time, as it reminds us that, As a society, we are stronger when we work together and that every small act of solidarity contributes to relieve the pain and to rebuild little by little what has been lost.

7. Observe possible changes in behavior

It is possible that children experience changes in their behavior after experiencing a traumatic situation. Some symptoms most common They are night terrors, increased irascibility, distraction in class or somatization of tension, such as headaches or stomachaches. These are normal responses to trauma and if they persist, it is important to seek professional help.

Talking to children about tragedies like DANA is not easy, but it is important for their emotional well-being.

When creating a safe environment, validate your emotions and give them a clear and honest narrative, we are helping them process the event and to develop tools that allow them to handle future difficult situations.

As adults, it is normal for us to also experience intense emotions when faced with these events., and it is important that we manage our feelings assertively to convey calm and security. We can express our sadness or concern in a calm way, avoiding expressing intense fear or hopelessness in front of them, since they take our reactions as a reference to manage their own emotions.

Besides, It is essential that we also take care of ourselves to be able to be well and offer the support they need. This may include taking steps such as limiting overexposure to news and social media to avoid overinformation and reduce stress, support in any way we can – whether collaborating with direct help or community actions – and avoid sharing unverified information or rumors that may create more distress.

Taking care of ourselves not only strengthens us emotionally, but also allows us to be available to guide and support them in a healthy way.

As teachers and families, we have the responsibility to accompany them in this process, ensuring that they feel heard, understood and safe to express their emotions in an environment of support and empathy.

Some useful resources

Carmen Esteban, child and perinatal psychologist and author of the account @mipsicologainfantil, has written this story that you can download for free in both Spanish and English, so that families and educators can use it as a tool to explain this tragedy to children.

Elena, the author of @lapizarrapedagogica, has written this story to explain this topic to children. It is available for free in several languages, including Spanish, Catalan and English.

Resource developed by Save the Children on how to talk to a child about a natural disaster.

Multidisciplinary psychologists have worked on the development of this guide with the aim of supporting teaching staff in returning to schools after DANA.

This initiative, created by Ruben Gadea, aims to help those affected by DANA, taking care of the little ones, while cleaning and reconstruction tasks are carried out.

@modernadepueblo illustrates some advice that psychologists from @turefugiopsicologia have compiled for this tragic situation that we are experiencing.

UNICEF shares a series of tips to help children and adolescents cope with the impact of DANA.

I can't stop thinking about all those people affected, children and adults. In the number of missing people, people who have lost their loved ones, who from one day to the next have been left with nothing, and in the fatalities.

From here I want to thank all the volunteers and professionals who have dedicated themselves to caring and helping without expecting anything in return, contributing their enormous grain of sand in this very dramatic situation. 💛