Heidi Montag emphasizes the importance of emotional expression for her children during tough times.

In a heartfelt revelation two weeks after the tragic incident where her and her husband of 16 years, Spencer Pratt, faced the destruction of their Pacific Palisades residence due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the Hills star conveyed a crucial message to their 7-year-old son, Gunner, regarding the significance of acknowledging and processing grief.

“Allowing him to fully experience his emotions is incredibly vital, helping him navigate the feelings of loss without the need to suppress them for later,” Heidi disclosed in an exclusive interview with E! News host Keltie Knight, which aired on January 23. “This approach is why he?s coping so well; he?s been able to articulate his feelings and truly connect with his sense of loss in real-time.”

Recognizing that Gunner is “mature enough to grasp the situation,” the 38-year-old mother, who also has a 2-year-old son named Ryker with Spencer, has shifted her focus toward encouraging hope and new beginnings.

“We actively support him in understanding that there?s a fresh start ahead, filled with new experiences, and we aim to guide him through this transition step by step,” Heidi elaborated. She underscored her commitment to ensuring Gunner does not suppress his emotions, clarifying that doing so would not be beneficial for his emotional well-being.