This year is one of unprecedented measures being taken for the safety of our families, our friends and, well, the entire nation’s health. Regardless of your situation or feeling on the matter, these times are likely to bring fourth confusion and fear within our children whether they express their feelings or not. We can do our best to shield our children; however, every child is likely to hear concerns whether it be on the news, social media, or from other individuals. During times of trial, the most effective strategy to combat anxieties is to talk to your children and share facts. Burying the conversation can and most likely will cause increased fear and anxiety. The fear of the unknown is most often worse than reality. These guidelines from ChildMind.org (https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/) can help when talking. I have added extra information to aid in the conversation.
Don’t be afraid to discuss the coronavirus. Look at the conversation as an opportunity to convey the facts and set the emotional tone. If possible, avoid children watching the news and social media. Be a filter giving the news to your kid. Your goal is to help your children feel informed and get fact-based information that is likely more reassuring than whatever they’re hearing from their friends or on the news. Facts for kids
Brain Pop – Geared toward Elementary and Jr. High students, Moby and Tim explain the fact, personal hygiene and comfort fears along with a little humor. Provides quizzes, challenges, games, related reading, etc.
Be developmentally appropriate. Don’t volunteer too much information, as this may be overwhelming. Instead, try to answer your child’s questions. Do your best to answer honestly and clearly. It’s okay if you can’t answer everything; being available to your child is what matters.
Take your cues from your child. Invite your child to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. You want to be prepared to answer (but not prompt) questions. Your goal is to avoid encouraging frightening fantasies.
Deal with your own anxiety. If you notice that you are feeling anxious, take some time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answer your child’s questions.
For Parents: Managing Stress during Infectious Disease Outbreak
o https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Be reassuring. Children are very egocentric, so hearing about the coronavirus on the news may be enough to make them seriously worry that they’ll catch it. It’s helpful to reassure your child about how rare the coronavirus actually is (the flu is much more common) and that kids actually seem to have milder symptoms.
Focus on what you’re doing to stay safe. An important way to reassure kids is to emphasize the safety precautions that you are taking and by empowering your children to do the same.
KidsQuest – Experiment to show the importance of soap and water in hand washing
Stick to a routine. This is particularly important if your child’s school or daycare shuts down. Make sure you are taking care of the basics just like you would during a spring break or summer vacation. Structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.
Keep talking. Tell kids that you will continue to keep them updated as you learn more “You can say, ‘Even though we don’t have the answers to everything right now, know that once we know more, mom or dad will let you know, too.’”