A caring solution to help you plan for the future and settle affairs after a loss.
How do I talk to children about COVID-19?
COVID-19 has created an unsettling and rapidly changing situation: loss of a daily routine, isolation, and uncertainty. With data overload, rumors, and misinformation swirling, one can feel out of control. These feelings can also happen for children who’ve had their routines interrupted. Thus, it is important to have an honest and straightforward discussion with kids about COVID-19 so they can understand what’s happening, relieve fears, and feel safe and able to cope.
When talking about COVID-19, Mayo Clinic suggests to stick some simple facts that are appropriate to children’s understanding:
Define what it is: COVID-19 is caused by a virus that makes people sick and may cause a cough, fever, and trouble breathing. Some people, especially kids, who have the virus may not feel sick or have mild symptoms similar to a cold.
Explain how it spreads: COVID-19 enters people’s bodies when it’s on their hands and they touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. A virus is so tiny that one cannot see it, which is why it’s important to wash hands often and to not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. If someone has the infection, coughs or sneezes from a close distance (closer than six feet), the virus can be spread, which is why it is important to keep distance.
What is being done: Experts around the world are working hard every day to learn about COVID-19 and how to keep people safe. There are vaccines that are being developed that, when released, will help defend against the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides resources for parents at home that help educate children, including videos such as “Wash Your Hands With Peppa Pig” that engage children in understanding the coronavirus, the challenges it brings to their world and what can be done to protect them.
The WHO also provides resources such as print outs with graphics that can help explain the situation to children easily. If you have a printer, consider printing one of these out and putting it somewhere around the house, in the kitchen or bathroom, so they feel the situation is being managed in the home.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designed charts that are appropriate for kids and printable for a variety of situations, such as how to choose masks and what to do when meeting friends and family.
When talking about COVID-19, create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions. Answer questions honestly and use words and concepts that children can understand.
Be prepared to repeat information and explanations several times, as some information may be hard to accept or understand. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children tend to personalize situations and may worry about their own safety and the safety of those around them. Be assuring, let them know they are safe in their environment, but don’t make unrealistic promises.
Naturally, children are vulnerable to graphic news reports or images of illness and death. The repetition of disturbing scenes can be harmful and confusing. Although adults may follow the news and daily updates with interest, most children want to be children and would rather play outside. Understanding that they are children and have different responses can build relationships with trust.
How to stay safe:
Take practical steps such as washing hands, cleaning, and disinfecting.
Demonstrate how to effectively wash hands, wear masks, and what they can do to stay safe such as social distancing.
Don’t forget to stay healthy through exercise, diet, and other alternatives to socializing.
How to help children cope:
Remain calm: Children often look to older adults as mentors and reminding them and showing them your reactions can have a positive influence.
Keep to a routine: Use a whiteboard or paper to display a schedule at home and checking off tasks can encourage a sense of accomplishment which provides structure. Routines help kids predict what’s planned and allow them to feel control in situations.
Creative activities: Encourage new activities such as puzzles, art projects, reading, music, cooking projects, or home movie nights. Virtual socializing such as calling friends and families can help build and maintain relationships.
Avoid placing blame: Avoid blaming others for the situation and try to channel in positive energy.
We hope these suggestions will be helpful in educating and informing your children about how to live in this “new normal.” For suggestions on how to keep children and their grandparents together during COVID, please click here. For other coronavirus-related content from Peacefully, click here.
