Nurturing children’s coping strategies through the arts

In the vast stretches of regional, rural, and remote Australia, communities are increasingly facing the dire impacts of natural disasters and climate emergencies. Amidst these challenges, a poignant story unfolds—one that involves the youngest members of these communities and their remarkable journey towards resilience and recovery. Our recent study delved into the lives of eight children and their parents, all of whom had experienced the devastating effects of a bushfire in their community. By utilizing arts-based tools, we gathered their lived experiences in a unique and expressive way. Children were encouraged to articulate their thoughts and feelings not just through words but through drawings, providing a vivid insight into their inner worlds.