A CHILD'S FIRE PLAY MAY BE A CALL FOR HELP
Is a child who sets fires or plays with matches really calling for help? The Brunswick Fire Department says this may be true. If unheeded, the child is a danger to himself and those around him. Children who display a fascination with fire, play with matches often or set fires intentionally may have an emotional problem requiring professional help. Others may lack an understanding of the dangers involved and may need fire safety lessons. Whatever the cause, juvenile fire play must be dealt with quickly. Parents should contact their fire department or their medical or mental health professional. Playing with fire is not a phase children go through and should not be ignored.
How do you know if your child needs help? Young children have a natural curiosity about fire and it is not unusual for a child, around the age of five to seven, to experiment with matches or lighters once or twice. That is why you must keep these out of their sight and reach. But if a child has played with matches often, even after understanding the dangers involved, then that child needs help either fire education or counseling. Signs of fire play, other than the obvious one of a fire, include burnt matches or candles in the house or yard, burn holes in clothing or the odor of burning in the child's room.
Children who play with fire sometimes do so as a response to stress in the home. A divorce or separation, a death in the family, the arrival of a new sibling, lack of attention, abuse or neglect are all possible motives for children to play with fire. When asked why they play with fire, they may say they don't know why. They many not understand or know they are upset or have an emotional problem. Playing with fire may be an expression of their pain or frustration. Until the child receives help in dealing with these pressures and problems, the playing with fire will continue. Parents should seek help immediately.