The Texas floods are a heartbreaking reminder that even the youngest kids feel the weight of the world—and they need us to help carry it.
Recent flooding in Central Texas has caused widespread devastation and prompted an outpouring of grief across the country. Among those affected were children attending Camp Mystic, a summer camp along the Guadalupe River..
As rescue crews continue their work and communities begin to recover, many families—whether nearby or thousands of miles away—are left navigating big emotions. And for parents, one question often rises to the surface: How do I talk to my child about this?
Mental health experts say the answer isn’t to avoid the conversation. It’s to have it with intention, honesty, and care.
Kids are paying attention—even when we wish they weren’t
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), emphasizes that avoiding hard topics can actually heighten a child’s fear. Even if they haven’t seen the news, kids often pick up on adult conversations, emotional shifts, or whispers at school. Left without explanation, their imaginations may fill in the blanks.
Dr. Karin Price, chief of psychology at Texas Children’s Hospital, recommends that parents take the lead in these conversations. “For those of us that are here in Texas, we’re hearing a lot about it… but for those that might be in other parts of the country, just opening up the question of, ‘I’m not sure if you’ve heard about this really difficult thing that’s happening in Texas, where they have floods,’ and a child might say they have or they have not,” she says.
Start small and age-appropriate, and allow your child to guide how much detail they want to explore.
How to talk about loss in a way kids can understand
One of the most difficult parts of this tragedy is that some of the lives lost were children. For many kids, this may be their first time encountering the idea that children can die—and that concept can feel confusing or even frightening.
Lauren Gaspar, a licensed clinical social worker, reminds parents that kids don’t naturally conceptualize child death. “Children between ages 6 and 11 typically think that only people who die are either very sick or very old,” she says. She encourages parents to be clear but compassionate when discussing what happened.
You can be honest without being graphic. Simple language like, “Some people, including kids, didn’t survive the floods,” can help kids begin to process the idea without overwhelming them. Be ready for questions—but don’t worry if they don’t come right away.
Grief and worry don’t always look like sadness
Emotional distress in kids can show up in subtle or unexpected ways. That might look like irritability, clinginess, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or a sudden disinterest in things they normally enjoy.
While this is a normal response to distress, some kids may need extra support. Parents might temporarily adjust routines—more bedtime check-ins, slower-paced days, or simply staying close when kids need it.
And sometimes, one of the most powerful things you can do is name your own feelings, calmly and honestly. “The other thing that parents can do is talk about their own feelings in a calm and appropriate way,” Dr. Price says.
Limit media exposure
Even with our best efforts, many kids will still come across upsetting content online. Rather than trying to block everything, experts suggest balancing limits with curiosity.
Encourage your child to come to you with questions. Ask what they’ve seen on YouTube, TikTok, or in conversations with friends—and be ready to gently correct misinformation or reassure them where needed.
Reassure them that they’re safe
Even if your family lives far from Texas, children might begin to worry that the same thing could happen where they are. In those moments, clear and steady reassurance helps.
Let your child know that while natural disasters like floods can be serious, they are rare—and that grownups are prepared to keep kids safe when emergencies happen. Share what your family or school would do in an emergency, and remind them of all the helpers who show up when people need support.
Talking to kids about other natural disasters
While the flooding in Texas is at the forefront right now, it opens the door to an even broader conversation: how we help our children understand and prepare for natural disasters of all kinds. Whether it’s wildfires out West, hurricanes along the coast, or earthquakes and tornadoes in other regions, these events are becoming more common—and more visible to our kids.
Related: How to talk to kids about natural disasters (and prepare your family for them)
Here are a few ways families can start building emotional and practical readiness at home:
Stay calm—and keep your language reassuring
As child psychologist Dr. Susan Ko explains, children remember how you make them feel more than the exact words you use. Replacing language like “fear” with “calm” can help anchor their emotional response. Instead of one long or overwhelming talk, keep the conversations short and ongoing.
Make preparedness part of your family culture
Children build resilience when they feel empowered. One way to do that is by involving them in emergency planning:
- Practice what to do in case of an earthquake (“drop, cover, and hold on”)
- Identify where to go during a tornado or flood
- Pack and check emergency kits together
- Keep familiar comfort items handy—like lovies, flashlights, or favorite books
Help kids feel ready, not scared
Preparedness is less about creating fear and more about building confidence. When kids know what to expect and how to respond, they’re more likely to feel secure—even when the world around them feels uncertain.
Every conversation you have, every drill you run, every flashlight you test—it all adds up. You’re not just preparing for emergencies; you’re helping your child trust in their ability to navigate them.
Related: 9 ways to help your kids cope with natural disasters
If you need support, you’re not alone
If your child seems unusually distressed or you notice ongoing changes in mood or behavior, it may be time to reach out to a pediatric therapist or counselor. Support is available.
Even when we don’t have all the answers, we can be what our children need most: calm, honest, and close.
Sources:
- Texas Flood Death Toll Tops 100 With More Rain to Fall. 2025. The New York Times. Texas Flood Death Toll Tops 100 With More Rain to Fall.
- How to talk to children about Texas flooding. 2025. ABC News. How to talk to children about Texas flooding.
- Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis. 2023. American Academy of Pediatrics. Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis.