How to Talk to Your Kids About What’s Happening in Kerrville

The flash floods that hit Kerrville on July 4–5, 2025 have been overwhelmingly destructive. More than 60 people have died and dozens remain missing.

The tragedy came after the the Guadalupe River rose nearly 20 feet in just hours. Estimates put the rainfall at more than 100 billion gallons (more than Niagara Falls’ daily flow) that fell on Kerr County in under six hours.

When kids see news of homes washed away, family pets in peril, and rescue boats racing against rising water, they often have questions and fears of their own. Here’s how you can guide the conversation:

1. Share Age-Appropriate Facts

• Young Children (4–7 years) Keep it very simple: “Heavy rain made the river overflow and some people need help. First responders are rescuing families and animals.”

• School-Aged Kids (8–12 years) You can add more detail: “Over the July 4 weekend, Kerrville saw more rain than it usually gets in a year, and the Guadalupe River flooded its banks. Rescue teams used boats and helicopters to get people out safely.”

• Teens (13+) They can handle the full picture: death tolls, missing campers at Camp Mystic, and debates over warning systems.

• Encourage them to read trusted sources like Reuters reuters.com or KSAT ksat.com—and discuss what they learn.

2. Acknowledge Feelings

• Validate Emotions: “I know seeing these images is scary and sad. It’s okay to feel upset or worried.”

• Normalize Worry: Explain that it’s natural to feel anxious when something terrible happens, and that talking helps those feelings pass.

3. Reassure Safety

• Let kids know: “We live safely here, and our town’s responders are trained for emergencies like this.”

• If you live outside the flood zone, clarify that too: “We’re not near the river, so we’re not in danger.”

4. Empower Through Action

• Share How to Help: Talk about donating to vetted relief funds (cash lets rescue teams buy what they need most) and share our blog post’s list of trusted links.

• Small Acts Matter: Younger kids can draw get-well cards for shelters, pack snack bags, or help sort donated clothes.

5. Monitor Media Exposure

• Limit Continuous Coverage: Too many flood images can heighten anxiety. Turn off the TV after updates.

• Discuss What They See: If they watch a clip, take a moment to ask, “What did you think about that?” and correct any misunderstandings.

6. Look for the Helpers

• Remind your kids of Mr. Rogers’ advice: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news…my mother would say, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

• Point out local heroes (TEXSAR rescuers, Mercy Chefs volunteers, and neighbors) opening their homes to protect displaced families.

• Consider donating money to those organizations as a family. Here's how.

7. Offer Hope and Next Steps

• Recovery Takes Time: Share that rebuilding will happen. Engineers, contractors, neighbors and volunteers will work together.

• Stay Connected: If you know anyone in the affected area, check in on them (calls, texts, video chats) so your kids see compassion in action.

Talking openly, honestly and compassionately helps kids process tragedy without fear overtaking them. By guiding their understanding and channeling their empathy into action, you give them both comfort and purpose. If you need more tips or local family support, reach out to Family Guidance and Outreach. We are working to create additional resources for this tragedy, because no one should face a crisis alone.

Recent News Updates (click to read):

• “Estimated 100 billion gallons of rain fell on Kerr County July 4, more than Niagara Falls’ daily flow” (KSAT) ksat.com

• “Officials: More than 850 rescued after sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches of rain” (Reuters) reuters.com