8 tips to help comfort and protect children.
It’s
easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you’re hearing about coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) right now. It’s also understandable if your children are
feeling anxious, too. Children might find it difficult to understand what they
are seeing online or on TV – or hearing from other people – so they
can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. But
having an open, supportive discussion with your children can help them
understand, cope and even make a positive contribution for others.
1. Ask open questions and listen
Start
by inviting your child to talk about the issue. Find out how much they already
know and follow their lead. If they are particularly young and haven’t already
heard about the outbreak, you may not need to raise the issue – just take the
chance to remind them about good hygiene practices without introducing new
fears.
Make
sure you are in a safe environment and allow your child to talk freely.
Drawing, stories and other activities may help to open up a discussion.
Most
importantly, don’t minimize or avoid their concerns. Be sure to acknowledge
their feelings and assure them that it’s natural to feel scared about these
things. Demonstrate that you’re listening by giving them your full attention,
and make sure they understand that they can talk to you and their teachers
whenever they like.
2. Be honest: explain the truth in a child-friendly
way
Children
have a right to truthful information about what’s going on in the world, but
adults also have a responsibility to keep them safe from distress. Use
age-appropriate language, watch their reactions, and be sensitive to their
level of anxiety.
If
you can’t answer their questions, don’t guess. Use it as an opportunity to
explore the answers together. Websites of international organizations like UNICEF
and the World Health Organization are great sources of information. Explain
that some information online isn’t accurate, and that it’s best to trust the
experts.
3. Show them how to protect themselves and their
friends
One
of the best ways to keep children safe from coronavirus and other diseases is
to simply encourage regular handwashing. It doesn't need to be a scary
conversation. Sing along with The Wiggles
or follow this dance to make learning fun.
You
can also show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow,
explain that it’s best not to get too close to people who have those symptoms,
and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever, cough or
are having difficulty breathing.
4. Offer reassurance
When
we’re seeing lots of troubling images on TV or online, it can sometimes feel
like the crisis is all around us. Children may not distinguish between images
on screen and their own personal reality, and they may believe they’re in
imminent danger. You can help your children cope with the stress by making
opportunities for them to play and relax, when possible. Keep regular routines
and schedules as much as possible, especially before they go to sleep, or help
create new ones in a new environment.
If
you are experiencing an outbreak in your area, remind your children that they
are not likely to catch the disease, that most people who do have coronavirus
don’t get very sick, and that lots of adults are working hard to keep your
family safe.
If
your child does feel unwell, explain that they have to stay at home/at the
hospital because it is safer for them and their friends. Reassure them that you
know it is hard (maybe scary or even boring) at times, but that following the
rules will help keep everyone safe.
5. Check if they are experiencing or spreading stigma
The
outbreak of coronavirus has brought with it numerous reports of racial
discrimination around the world, so it’s important to check that your children
are neither experiencing nor contributing to bullying.
Explain
that coronavirus has nothing to do with what someone looks like, where they are
from or what language they speak. If they have been called names or bullied at
school, they should feel comfortable telling an adult whom they trust.
Remind
your children that everyone deserves to be safe at school. Bullying is always
wrong and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other.
6. Look for the helpers
It’s
important for children to know that people are helping each other with acts of
kindness and generosity.
Share
stories of health workers, scientists and young people, among others, who are
working to stop the outbreak and keep the community safe. It can be a big
comfort to know that compassionate people are taking action.
7. Take care of yourself
You’ll
be able to help your kids better if you’re coping, too. Children will pick up
on your own response to the news, so it helps them to know you’re calm and in
control.
If
you’re feeling anxious or upset, take time for yourself and reach out to other
family, friends and trusted people in your community. Make some time to do
things that help you relax and recuperate.
8. Close conversations with care
It’s
important to know that we’re not leaving children in a state of distress. As
your conversation wraps up, try to gauge their level of anxiety by watching
their body language, considering whether they’re using their usual tone of
voice and watching their breathing.
Remind
your children that they can have other difficult conversations with you at any
time. Remind them that you care, you’re listening and that you’re available
whenever they’re feeling worried.
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