Children are full of questions. However, it can be hard to answer questions regarding a national pandemic. Your first step? Answer calmly, honestly, and with positivity. It’s important to make sure your children are taking their health seriously without feeling stressed or scared. This can be a tough task for many parents, especially if you’re already feeling scared yourself. So, how do you talk to your kids about COVID-19 and how do you make them feel safe?
LET’S BEGIN:
- Role Model Safe Behaviors
- Limit Time with Negative News
- Take Time to Talk and Listen
- Be Honest but Hopeful
- Quick Answers
Role Model Safe Behaviors
Your first step is to be safe yourself. Children, especially very young children, will mimic actions that you show are important. For example, make sure to wash your hands properly. Try to sing a song aloud when washing your hands (think Twinkle Twinkle Little Star), to show children how long to wash their hands. Make sure that you are also wearing a mask and helping them wear a mask when out in public. However, if they are wearing a mask, make sure that they understand the importance of not touching their face or their mask without washing their hands before and after.
Remember that children can pick up on fear and negativity, so try to remain calm and stay positive about the future. A great way to stay positive for both you and your children is by sticking to a routine. For example, make a schedule of daily chores and exercises. Create a check off list to be done by a certain time in the day.
Limit Time with Negative News
Negative news and social media today can be very frightening, for both parent and child. It’s important that your children feel connected to friends and the world. However, they should be encouraged to take some breaks. Talk to your children about negative news articles and what you believe the future will look like. Describe a positive event you are looking forward to in the future and encourage your children to write, draw, or describe something positive in the future.
Family time can also be a great way of encouraging positivity. Take time to read, play a game, or watch a show together. This can also be a great time to talk and listen to your child’s concerns.
Take Time to Talk and Listen
Just like you, your children will have many thoughts and worries about the coronavirus. Remember to give them time to express their concerns and talk through their fears. These thoughts and fears will be different for every age group, but it’s important to remind them that you are there for them.
Although talking it out can be cathartic, proper relaxation tools can also help your child feel at ease. Have your child take deep breaths after expressing fears or anxieties. For example, walk them through taking several deep breaths in through the mouth and out through the nose for a good 3 to 5 minutes. Older children may also require time alone especially over extended quarantine orders.
Be Honest but Hopeful
Your children will have lots of questions about why they must stay inside or why they can’t visit with friends. It’s important that your child knows they can come to you with questions, but your answer must be age appropriate. For children in preschool or younger, explain basic facts about the virus and reassure them that adults are working on the problem and are there to keep them safe. Children in middle school may need to know more specifics about what their city is doing to protect them, but may need help separating reality from fantasies and rumors. Older children in high school can hear a more balanced account of what is going on, but assure them that you are there to help and protect them.
Quick Answers
Be a good role model.
Practice good hygiene.
Follow city rules and regulations around COVID-19.
Limit your child’s time with negative news stories.
Take time to talk and listen to your children’s fears.
Be honest, hopeful, and present with your child.