How to talk to your children about coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is on everyone’s mind at the moment. With conversations centred on improved hygiene practices, infection rates and worst-affected countries, etc., let’s not forget that our children too need to be given accurate information that they can easily understand to stave off any fears they might have.

Like any serious topic, how you talk to your children matters a lot. You want to ensure that you give them facts, that you reassure them and that you teach them how to handle this new situation.

Below are some tips, provided by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that can help you navigate this topic.

1. Stay calm

Avoid panic at all costs. Don’t use scary terms that will only make your children anxious. You might be trying to reassure your children but your tone of voice and body language say the complete opposite. Children notice this. Maintain a calm demeanour even if you are panicking on the inside. 

2. Be honest and accurate

As parents we sometimes circumvent harder topics, even colouring the truth in a bid to hide the facts from our children. When telling them about COVID-19, be as truthful as possible. Provide them with accurate information in a way that they can easily understand. Once you have explained everything, ask them if they have any questions.

3. Limit media use

In as much as you get information from the media, too much of it can make your child worried. Monitor what they watch on TV and their online activity. Be the only source of COVID-19-related information. 

4. Teach them how to handle the current situation

Just as we have been given dos and don’ts, guide your children on best practices:

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The CDC recommends singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice. If they aren’t in a position to wash their hands, use sanitizer instead. Cough or sneeze into tissue and dispose of it immediately. Avoid going near people who are coughing or sneezing. Ask them to tell you if they start to feel unwell so that you can take the necessary measures.

5. Be available for questions

Your children will definitely have questions about COVID-19 and the measures that have been put in place to try and contain it. Make time to listen to them and give them satisfactory answers. Your children should be able to feel comfortable coming to you about anything rather than looking for information elsewhere.

Now that the government has called for schools to be closed and asked us to limit public gatherings, explain the changes to your children. You can plan fun home activities to keep them occupied.