Talking with Your Child About COVID 19
Children are incredible observers of the world around them. Just because they do not talk about their concerns, do not assume that they are not bothered by the rapidly changing … Continue reading “Talking with Your Child About COVID 19”
Children are incredible observers of the world around them. Just because they do not talk about their concerns, do not assume that they are not bothered by the rapidly changing world around them. There is much that we as parents/caregivers can do to support them during these uncertain times of COVID 19.
- Create a safe and loving environment for your children
Minimize social media and television viewing to prevent children from getting saturated with fearful messages. Be cognizant of your conversations with other adults about the pandemic in the presence of your children. You do not want to give them extra reasons to worry. Be especially patient and understanding with your children. They may not know how to process their fears and anxieties about what is happening and their behavior may be affected. Find ways to have fun and convey your love every day. Help children communicate with their friends and other family members so they feel less isolated and maintain outside connections and healthy relationships with others.
- Be available for conversation
Be open to discussions about COVID 19 with your children. While you do not need to have answers to all their questions, it is important that you be an “askable” parent. Children need to know they can talk to you 24/7 about anything, including COVID 19. Start where they are. In a calm and reassuring way, listen to and address their concerns if you can. If you do not know the answer, tell them so. Acknowledge their fears. Be honest and accurate, but not alarmist. Point out what is being done to keep people safe. Children need to know that efforts are being taken to address this health crisis and you are doing all you can to protect them within your home. Gauge information to your child’s age and development. As a rule, young children need brief, simple information that reassures them. Don’t provide more detail than is needed. Be sure to check in with children at the end of each conversation to see if you addressed all of their concerns.
- Allow your children to take control of things they can
In the wake of uncertainty and a lack of control, give your children opportunities to be in charge and make decisions, i.e. what game you will play, what kind of cookies or craft you will make, etc. Encourage your children in thoughtful problem solving about ways they can help in this crisis, both in keeping your family safe as well as how to support other community members. Review and model hand washing, coughing into elbows, safe distancing in public, etc. Give children responsibility for making signs or reminding you to walk 6 feet apart for example.
- Address your own mental health needs first
There is a good reason why we are instructed on airplanes to put on our own air masks before those of our children in the event of an emergency. We can’t tend to the needs of others, if we are not well ourselves. Children need safety and stability in these turbulent times. They need to lean on strong adults. If your own worries and concerns are consuming you, reach out to get the support you need for yourself. Do what you need to do to care for yourself. Do not take on challenging conversations about COVID 19 with your children if you are not up to the task. Solicit the help of another caring adult your children trust to provide the emotional support they require.
For more tips about parenting in the wake of COVID 19, check out these resources:
National Association of School Psychologists
