Questions (and answers) your kids might have during the coronavirus pandemic

Over the last couple of months, our lives have changed drastically. As we struggle to cope with everything that is going on, let us not forget our kids. Their lives have also changed in more ways than one. Schools and daycare centres have closed, they’re confined to their homes, unable to see their friends or family and there are strict rules about washing hands. For younger children, it might be harder to comprehend all these measures that we’re taking to curb the spread of COVID-19. For the older ones, it could be scary and seem unreasonable. 

Below are some questions that your children might ask you during this period as well as answers that you can give them.

When will I go back to school?

For many kids, school is part of their life and now that regular schooling has been interrupted and once the excitement of not going to school  has worn off, you’re bound to be asked when they can go back. 

Avoid giving a definitive date since nothing is certain right now and you can end up giving your kids false hope. Instead, explain that you’re waiting for the authorities to give the go ahead and that you’re in touch with their teachers and as soon as they say so, school will resume. As you wait, ensure that they’re continuing with their school work.

When will I get to see grandma (or my friends)?

Grandparents and their grandkids have a special bond so you can only understand why being unable to see them might be difficult particularly for your kids. 

When asked when they can see their grandparents, cousins, uncles, etc. explain to your kids that right now we’re staying away from people just to make sure that we don’t get sick or make them sick. However, they can still see and speak to them via video call. If these relatives live nearby, you can drive by their house, drop a card or gift and say hello from outside. 

For older kids, encourage them to have video calls and play video games with their friends.

Will I get sick? 

While it’s impossible to know if you’ll get sick, taking the necessary precautions could minimize chances of getting sick. However, when answering this question, avoid dismissing your child’s concerns or telling them that they can’t get sick. 

Tell them that all the measures you’re taking, social distancing, washing hands frequently, etc., are to prevent illness. However, should they or anyone they know get sick, they will be taken care of so that they get better.

You can use this response when they ask you about their friends and other family members getting sick.

Do I have to wash my hands? They’re not dirty

The World Health Organisation has recommended washing hands frequently as a way to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. As such, you need to enforce frequent handwashing at home. So when you’re faced with this question, explain that our hands get into contact with a lot of dirty surfaces and germs which can make us sick. And now, one of the ways to reduce spreading the virus is by washing hands frequently. 

You can make hand washing fun by encouraging your kids to sing the Happy Birthday song as they wash their hands. 

Since you’re at home can you play with me?

Some parents are fortunate enough to work from home during this quarantine period. It can be confusing for your kids to see you at home and yet you’re aren’t available to play. 

Instead of chasing them away when they as to play, ask them to give you a couple of hours so you can get through your day’s to do list and then you will play with them. You can set a timer so that when the alarm goes off your kids know that they can have your attention. 

What can I do to help?

It’s very frustrating knowing that there is a problem and you can’t help. Older kids might find themselves feeling helpless and want to be part of a solution. 

Some ways through which kids can help are by delivering foodstuffs to their grandparents, especially if they’re older. Donating pocket money to help support the less fortunate or helping spread positivity among their friends.