As our time apart extends, and now that we are finishing out the school year from a distance, you may have more questions about how to explain what is happening to your children. There are lots of resources for parents of young children. This podcast helps parents know how to talk to children about coronavirus. I found this information from PBS Kids by Deborah Farmer Kris incredibly helpful. As a bonus, it links to additional resources. The tips she shares for what to say to young children are very helpful and follow a pattern suggested for whenever you must have a difficult conversation with your child:
First, share age-appropriate facts and correct any misinformation.
Second, reassure them that they are safe.
Third, emphasize their agency: simple things your family can do to be “germ busters” — for all types of germs that are out there!
There are also resources specifically for children. This online book of Nurse Dotty explaining the coronavirus to Dave the Dog, or this Meet The Helpers website. Life changed suddenly and dramatically for all children, so even if we are trying to protect them from the worst of the news, they are aware things have changed and need your help processing the information. Below is a video from Belfast Health that is simple and touches on why children are staying home from school. And tomorrow morning at 9 am (April 25) CNN and Sesame Street are hosting a Town Hall for children (see more information below).
Belfast Health video explaining Coronavirus and staying at home for children.
"The ABC's of Covid 19: A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Parents" will tackle issues including education, anxiety, screen time and playdates."