How Can I Talk to My Child About the Wildfires Across Canada?
By Julie Diamond, Founder & CEO of Diamond Teachers Group and a certified teacher in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada
Across Canada, there are devastating wildfires affecting communities across the country. Children may overhear conversations, see images online, watch news reports, or notice changes in their communities as people respond to these events.
For many parents, this can bring up difficult questions:
How much information should I share with my child?
How do I answer their questions without making them more worried?
How can I help them understand what is happening?
During challenging times, children need honest, age-appropriate information along with reassurance and support. These conversations can also provide an opportunity to strengthen an important skill that children use every day: reading comprehension.
Reading comprehension is not only about understanding stories or completing school assignments. It is the ability to understand, interpret, and think critically about information. When children practice strong comprehension skills, they become better equipped to understand the world around them, including difficult topics they may encounter through conversations, news, and online content.
Strong reading comprehension skills help children:
Understand information by identifying important details and the main message.
Ask questions when they are unsure or want to learn more.
Make connections between what they hear, what they already know, and how others may be experiencing an event.
Think critically about the information they see and hear, including recognizing the difference between facts, opinions, and misinformation.
How Can Parents Support Their Child During Conversations About the Wildfires?
1. Start by Asking What They Already Know
Before explaining what is happening, find out what your child has heard.
You might ask:
"What have you heard about the wildfires?"
"Where did you learn about that?"
"Do you have any questions about what is happening?"
This helps you understand their perspective and allows you to correct any misunderstandings.
Children often fill in missing information with their imagination, so providing calm and accurate explanations can help them feel more secure.
2. Provide Honest, Age-Appropriate Information
Children deserve honest answers, but the amount of detail should depend on their age and emotional readiness.
For younger children, a simple explanation may be enough:
"Wildfires are happening in some parts of Canada. Many firefighters and helpers are working hard to keep people safe."
Older children may want to discuss more details, such as why wildfires happen, how communities respond, and how people can support those affected.
The goal is not to overwhelm children with information, but to help them understand what they are hearing.
3. Help Children Think Critically About What They See and Hear
Children today receive information from many sources, including television, websites, social media, and conversations with others. Learning how to evaluate information is an essential life skill.
Help your child think critically by asking:
"Who shared this information?"
"Is this a reliable source?"
"What evidence supports this information?"
"Is this a fact or someone's opinion?"
These questions help children become more thoughtful readers and informed members of their communities.
4. Encourage Questions and Curiosity
Questions are an important part of learning.
If your child asks something you do not know the answer to, it is okay to say:
"That's a great question. Let's find out together."
Encouraging curiosity helps children become active learners rather than passive listeners.
You can also ask questions that encourage deeper thinking:
"Why do you think people might feel differently about this situation?"
"How do you think families affected by the wildfires might be feeling?"
"What are some ways communities can help each other?"
These conversations support both comprehension and empathy.
5. Make Connections to Build Understanding
One of the most important reading comprehension strategies is making connections.
Children understand information more deeply when they connect it to:
Their own experiences:
"Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to make a change or adapt?"
Other things they know:
"Have you learned about natural disasters or emergency responses before?"
The experiences of others:
"How might this experience be different for families who have had to leave their homes?"
Making connections helps children develop compassion and a deeper understanding of the world.
6. Be Mindful of Exposure to News and Social Media
While staying informed is important, repeated exposure to upsetting images or videos can be overwhelming for children.
Parents can support healthy information habits by:
Watching or reading news together when possible
Talking about what children see online
Choosing reliable, age-appropriate sources
Taking breaks from news coverage when needed
Helping children manage information is part of helping them become confident, thoughtful learners.
7. Focus on Helpers and Hope
During difficult events, children often benefit from hearing about the people who are helping.
Talk about:
Firefighters and emergency responders
Community organizations supporting families
Neighbours helping one another
Ways people can show kindness and support
Recognizing the positive actions of others can help children feel less helpless and more connected to their communities.
Supporting Children Through Difficult Conversations
Every child will respond differently when they hear about challenging events. Some children may ask many questions, while others may need time before they are ready to talk.
The most important thing parents can do is create a safe space where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Let your child know:
"You can always ask questions, and we can talk about anything that is on your mind."
By helping children understand information, ask thoughtful questions, make connections, and think critically about what they see and hear, you are helping them develop skills that will support them throughout their education and life.
Our hearts go out to all families and communities affected by the wildfires across Canada. We are thinking of those who have been displaced, those facing uncertainty, and the many individuals working tirelessly to support their communities during this challenging time.