Living in a globalized world like ours, it is impossible to hide the news about coronavirus, and also, it should not be hidden from children such a complex event that changes their current lifestyle.
It should not be hidden what is happening, but of course, there are better and worse ways to do it. Children, whether big or small, should know what is happening around them and be able to understand it without being overwhelmed with unnecessary information.
How to do it?
Choose the right moment to talk to your child
Avoid distractions and find a moment when you are having a natural conversation about how their day has been. It could be on the way to a sports practice or when you pick your child up from school. To talk about coronavirus, choose a time of day when your child can focus. But try not to make it too late in the day.
Be honest: explain the truth in a way appropriate for their age
Children have the right to know truthful information about what is happening in the world, but adults also have the responsibility to protect them from suffering. Use language appropriate to their age, watch their reactions, and be sensitive to their level of anxiety. If you don't have answers to their questions, don’t guess. Take the opportunity to look for answers together. Websites of international organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization are good sources of information. Explain to them that some information on the internet is not reliable, and it’s better to trust experts.
Allow your child to express themselves
Ask your child to tell you what they know about coronavirus and how they feel about it. Give them plenty of opportunities to ask questions and be prepared to answer without leading them. The goal is to avoid encouraging alarming fantasies.
Teach them to protect themselves and their friends
One of the best ways to protect children from coronavirus and other illnesses is simply to encourage them to wash their hands frequently. It doesn’t have to be an alarming conversation. Try singing and dancing together to make learning fun. Also teach them to cover their cough or sneeze with their elbow, explain that it is best not to get too close to people who show symptoms, and ask them to tell you if they start feeling fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Give comfort
When we see lots of worrying images on TV or the internet, it can feel like the crisis is everywhere. Children might not distinguish images on screens from their own reality and might think they are in immediate danger. Help your child deal with stress by giving them opportunities to play and relax whenever possible. Keep regular routines and schedules, especially bedtime, or try creating a new routine if your environment changes. If there is an outbreak in your area, remind your child that it is unlikely they will catch the illness, that most people with coronavirus do not get very sick, and that many adults are working tirelessly to protect them and their families. If your child is unwell, explain that they must stay home or in the hospital because it is safest for them and their friends. Reassure them by saying you know it can be hard (or scary or boring), but that by following the rules, everyone will stay safe.
Keep the conversation open
Keep bringing up this conversation with your child. Use talks about coronavirus as a way to help your child learn about their body, such as how the immune system fights disease. Talk regularly about current news. It is important to help your child reflect on what they hear. Ask questions like: What do you think about these events? How do you think these things happen? Such questions can also invite conversations about topics unrelated to the news.
Remember that their well-being is the most important, not just physical but psychological as well. Some children may be more prone to anxiety and stress than others, so it is the parents’ job to help ease their distress in these situations.
The brands Beybies, Pura+, and NrgyBlast belong to Avimex de Colombia SAS. All products have quality certifications and valid sanitary registrations and are manufactured under the strictest international standards. To purchase our products you can visit our Online Shop. All purchases are backed by a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee.
