The Covid crisis continues to cause wrath and fear in the minds of people. Many parents are wondering how to get a reassuring conversation going with children about the impact of the virus. And it is important to talk to your children because when kept in dark, they tend to worry more. Here are some expert advices and recommendations from CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) on ways to avoid getting and spreading the infection.
Tips for talking to children
Stay Calm
Children tend to absorb energies from their immediate surroundings. While they may not be able to articulate their feelings but they get upset too and need to be talked to, calmly.
Reassure Children
Let them know they are safe. Share with them how you deal with anxiety and fear and help them learn to cope with stress.
Always talk to them and be there to listen
Make yourself available to listen to them when they come to talk to you. They may have many questions. Always try to answer them objectively.
Provide truthful and appropriate information
At a developmental age, children can access stories and news about the deadly virus from several sites on the internet. Talk to your child about many incorrect facts provided by media and other publications. Provide them information that are accurate, devoid of fear and stigma and age-appropriate for them to understand the seriousness of the situation.
Teach them about everyday actions
Tell them the importance of wearing masks, staying indoors, washing hands, maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet while interacting with outsiders and sanitize their surrounding regularly. Remind them to cough or sneeze in to a tissue and immediately trash in a bin and sanitize their hands.
Facts about COVID-19 to discuss with children
Keep the flow of information simple without any element of fear. That will ensure children deal with the pandemic wave positively.
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What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is a new virus and a short form for “Coronavirus disease 2019”. Research to know more about the disease is taken up by doctors and scientist.
- In the recent times, the virus has caused many people to fall sick. Doctors and health care workers are helping their best to treat all patients.
- Doctors recommend that as responsible citizens, adults and children must stay indoors to stay safe and healthy.
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What happens if someone gets COVID-19?
- For most people they get flu like symptoms like sneeze, cough and fever. Some people may have difficulty breathing that can make them very sick.
- People suffering from COVID-19 should stay away from the other family members for 14 days to reduce the spread of infection.
- Most people recover at home by following doctor’s advice. People who are very sick need to be taken to the hospital for advance treatment.
Elise Gravel, a Canadian children’s book author has explained the Covid-19 situation through a series of illustrations for children.
Children may worry about themselves, their parents, family and friends getting sick with the virus. Talk to them in an honest, accurate and reassuring way that minimizes anxiety and spreads more positivity around the global crisis.
