Some helpful tips when talking with our children about things they are hearing, seeing, and feeling during this time.
Here are some ideas how to talk with your children about the Coronavirus during this time:
- Help your child know that you and the adults in their life are protecting them, and that doctors and nurses and scientists are taking care of people who are sick and working to find ways to keep everyone safe. While children need to know it is not their job to stop or fix the virus, you can empower them to be a helper by washing their hands often and covering their nose and mouth if they cough or sneeze.
- Be mindful of what your children hear and see on the news, and try to limit how much they see and hear. As reports continue to grow, it is important that children know that no one person, or group of people, is responsible for people being sick.
- Let your child know they can always come to you with questions. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it is okay to tell your child “I wonder about that, too” or let them know you will come back to them if you have an answer later.
- Ask your child what they have heard about the coronavirus. They may have heard more than you realize, or heard misinformation. Asking them what they know, rather than assuming, will give you the chance to meet them where they are in your conversations.
- Let your child know that their feelings are always safe with you, whether they are feeling worried, angry, sad, or anything at all.
Download a FREE RESOURCE from The Fred Rogers Center