How To Talk To Your Children About Corona Virus

UNICEF points out that “they can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness”.

We need to understand that –

• They already know something about the situation from either TV or anxious discussion of the parents. We should first ask them about what they already know and what the source of their information is. “Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them that it’s natural to feel scared about these things”. It is also important to correct the wrong information (e.g. – not everyone who gets the virus is going to die). So, we can start with listening to their queries, calm them and reassure (most of the people who get the virus might not get too sick and will eventually recover)
• “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,” UNICEF said.
• “Drawing, stories and other activities may help to open up a discussion and adding not to minimize or avoid their concerns.
• TV should be switched off for children less than 10 years to reduce additional disturbing information.
• My 3year old keeps asking as to when would the lock down end so that he can play in park with his friends. Having two options - either I distract him and engage him in some games sitting in the balcony or sometimes assure him that we all are home to give him company and will soon go out together once all of it is over. It has to be left to parents’ discretion as to which option can be used when.
• Teach hygiene - Teach about hand washing and trying not to touch your face. But acknowledge that habits can be hard to establish. "We can do hard things, if we support each other!" It needn’t be a scary conversation and can even be made fun with songs or dance moves.
• Show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever or difficulty breathing.
• Reducing stigma – Our children should be safe and should not be involved in bullying related to the outbreak. It needs to be emphasized that current epidemic has nothing to do with how one looks, what one speaks and where they are from
• Spreading goodness- It is a good idea to acquaint children with the hard work and efforts of doctors, nurses, scientists, police, administrators and sanitation workers to help us all stay healthy and deal with such times.

Finally, it’s important to watch how the young one feels at the end of your conversation. Keep a watch on the body language, facial expressions and tone to understand how they have taken the information.

Remember to assure them that they can come up for discussion regarding any worries and we as parents will surely try to reduce their anxieties. At the end let’s thank our destinies that we are still healthy and safe in our homes and have plenty of time to play and laugh with our children.

You can reach me for any concerns or queries via FB messenger and I will get back.