HI sis,

I could just tell you this in  a few hours when I see you But... when you are up at my house why not take Joshua to the fire shed in Boolarra, I'm sure Todd wont mind having a word to him and let him sit in the fire truck, he is going to see how burnt out it is here and only ask more questions.

Hey there

My husband was in the bushfire brigade for over 10yrs. Now he's a fireman in the NSW Brigade. Take your child down to the local firebrigade. Rural or NSW.  Ring them and explain the problem your having. Most of them have children and have more than likely been through it. They will also make it a fun time for them.

Cheers

My six year old has asked me about the fires today in front of my three year old so I said not in detail that yes fires can burn down houses because fire is very hot some people got hurt and some people will be building new houses. My six year old is starting to understand about that people die it is a conversation to young for my three year old. I let my girls see a little of the news but tried to watch when they are not in the same room because the next question will be about how many people have died. Back when the twin towers was hit by a plane tv showed that so much it was a terriable time my niece was terrified of planes for such a long time.I will also will say to my girls how we can help the people in need maybe up the school they are donating things to help.

Hey Juzzy, sorry for not linking my article to your question sooner, but I only just went back there to look at comments and found yours and had to double back to find your question - because I honestly never noticed it this morning! I'd been thinking about writing it all last night and someone's blog about the story upsetting their child (forget who now) made me get off my slacker butt and do something about it. Arna was right, there are a lot of people wondering how to tackle this problem, so I guess my advice was well timed. Hope it helped. Cheers, DA

I try to always answer my childrens questions but I try to explain the answer age appropriate for them. I find it is great for children to learn about these sort of things as it is so real and could happen to anyone. If you explain to him that these poor people may not see their family or their house it might just help him be more appreciative of what his got. It is amazing how much children really do understand about these sort of things. My daughters were always asking me questions when they were younger regarding the children that were on the Ads asking for sponsorship. I told them "these Children don't get to eat food like you eat and some don't have a Mummy or Daddy and have to drink yucky water and some have to just sleep on the dirt." I was amazed how many more questions followed and they would say "But, we get to eat pies don't we". They would also tell visitors about "the poor little children that don't even get to eat meat pies". It was fantastic to teach the children how to feel compasion for less fortunate.

Be honest but tell him what is happening in terms that a 3 year old can understand.  Reassure him that he is safe at the same time. 

Maybe start by saying that, "Do you know how you get upset if a toy breaks?  The fires broke some of these peoples things and it makes them sad.  They will be okay.  Isn't it good that we are safe here?"

Listen to any concerns that he has and reassure him that he will be fine.

Good luck.  I am sure this much be hard to watch.  My prayers are with you.