Helping Children Reflect on Hurricane Helene, One Year Later

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, many of us are reflecting on what that time was like for our families and our community. For children, anniversaries of big events can stir up memories and feelings they may not always know how to name. Some of these memories might feel tender or even scary, while others might highlight strength, connection, and care.

At Light + Love Arts, we believe creative expression is one of the most powerful tools children have to process their experiences. With gentle guidance from their caregivers, children can learn to reflect on the past, honor their feelings, and recognize the resilience of both themselves and their community.

Here are a few ways you can support your child as you remember Hurricane Helene together:

1. Open the Door for Conversation

Start simply: “Do you remember anything about the storm?”

Let your child share in their own words. Children often notice and remember details differently than adults, and that’s okay. Listen patiently, avoid correcting, and validate what they share. Saying something like “It makes sense you felt scared when the lights went out” helps them feel heard and safe.

Scroll to the bottom for a visual worksheet to help guide you or jumpstart the conversation.

2. Name Feelings Together

Give your child a “feelings menu” to choose from—words like scared, worried, calm, safe, brave, or loved. This helps them understand that more than one feeling can exist at once, and that all feelings are welcome.

3. Find the Helpers

Fred Rogers famously reminded us to “look for the helpers,” and this is a powerful way to frame a child’s memory of the storm. Ask: “Who helped us during Hurricane Helene?”

This might include neighbors who checked in, first responders, family members—or even your child themselves if they comforted a sibling or pet. You might make a “helpers list,” draw pictures of them, or talk about how helpers continue to strengthen your community today.

4. Create Through Art or Movement

Art is a safe and gentle outlet for big memories. Invite your child to:

• Draw or paint the storm as they remember it.

• Create a second piece of art showing the helpers.

• Use play-dough or clay during conversations to help process or create scenes.

• Use yoga or movement to “act out” the storm—wind, rain, sunshine after—and finish with a strong “helper pose” like mountain pose with arms open wide.

5. Highlight Resilience and Safety

Talk with your child about how your family and community worked together to get through the storm. Share your safety plans now and celebrate their own role in helping or being brave. Children thrive when they see themselves as part of a bigger circle of care.

6. Mark the Anniversary Together

Choose a ritual that feels right for your family—lighting a candle, planting something new in the garden, or making art to honor your community. You might ask: “What helpers do you want to thank today?” or “What do you want to carry forward from this experience?”

Healing in Community

We know that remembering and healing are even more powerful when we come together. That’s why Light + Love Arts is partnering with Asheville Kids Art + Yoga for a special community gathering to honor, grieve, reflect, and create as we remember Hurricane Helene.

Families are invited to join us for art, yoga, and connection as we celebrate the helpers in our community and the resilience of our children.

Saturday, September 27th, 10-11am, Augusta-Barnett Playground, 28 Clinton Ave, 28806
FREE to attend for all families!

Photo of Leah with son, Shiloh at a Community Gathering after Hurricane Helene.

print to use for yourself and your family.