When natural disasters like floods, mudslides, and wildfires happen around us, it can be really scary for kids – and adults too! Whether or not your community has been directly impacted by the floods and mudslides throughout southern British Columbia, chances are high that your kids are seeing and hearing things on the news or from friends that are worrisome and confusing.

Although my family is completely safe and our house is not being threatened by flood waters, my children are still having a hard time. There are so many questions and concerns about what could have happened if our trip to the cabin this weekend had not been cut short by our 5 year old breaking his arm. We most certainly would be among those trapped and unable to get home. Despite our attempts to limit their exposure to the images and stories, it’s has not been entirely avoidable. They still worry about the possibility our house being flooded or having trees falling on our roof like they have seen in pictures. 

Seeing how much my own kids are struggling and knowing there are thousands of children who have been even more directly affected, I took some time today to create a Virtual Classroom and Resource Package to help kids through this.  These resources are designed to give kids tools to process what they are seeing and hearing, and to encourage them to look for the helpers. 

I am hoping to update this resource over the next few days as I have time. Please let me know if you have suggestions for ideas or helpful resources that we should share. 

~ Hayley Legassie
Joyful Learning Lead Educator