03/12/2020
How do you talk to your young children about coronavirus?
1) Start conversations by finding out what your children know. If your child is young, they may not have learned about coronavirus. If so, discussions about appropriate hygiene skills may be the most helpful. If your child is feeling worried or scared, do not minimize their concerns. Provide your children with a safe space to talk about their thoughts and feelings, now and in the future. Remind them that you care, you are listening, and that you are available whenever they are feeling scared, worried, or just want to talk.
2) When talking about coronavirus, it can be difficult to know how much information to provide. The best rule of thumb is to give truthful information in a developmentally appropriate way. Use age-appropriate language and be sure to provide that information with appropriate reassurance. As adults, it is our role to assure our children that we are doing everything that we can to take care of them. Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news. My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” It can be very comforting to find and share stories with our children about people that are working to stop the coronavirus outbreak. Let your child know that parents, teachers, doctors, and scientists all over the world are doing their absolute best to keep everyone safe.
3) As we work to keep everyone safe and healthy, many activities are being canceled. Not being able to attend school, birthday parties, after-school activities, or family vacations is scary and disappointing. When talking to your children about events being canceled, be sure to let your children know that they did nothing wrong and it is not their fault. They are also not alone. Children all over the world are being asked to stay home as a way to work toward everyone’s safety. If possible, try to find alternative activities that are fun, engaging, and safe.
