TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT COVID-19
Honesty and modelling are the best tools, but beware of online misinformation
They hear things, even when we think we’re protecting them. On TV, in the store, in the car when we’re talking and think they’re asleep. Coronavirus is a big and scary word in a big and scary world and since they’re going to hear about it anyway, it’s better if our children hear about it from us.
Navigating fear is something children are familiar with already, from the first time they slept alone in a big bed or went into a classroom full of people they hadn’t met. The most we can do is give them tools to keep them from being overwhelmed. The best tool we have is honesty and modelling.
Say, “I was a little bit scared, too, but I learned how to keep us safe — and the most amazing thing is that we can help others be safe, too.”
Talk to them in an age-appropriate manner about what the coronavirus is. Explain that a virus is behind sicknesses like colds and flus. This is a new virus that scientists are still learning about and because it is spreading very quickly, we have to take extra precautions, like social distancing. Social distancing is when we stay away from groups of people, like when we’re at school or the library.
Since much-anticipated parties and sleepovers are cancelled, it can feel like we’re losing control, but there are things we can do. We have to wash our hands frequently with soap — choose a favourite song like Happy Birthday twice or (oh parents please forgive me) Baby Shark and don’t stop rubbing and scrubbing till you’re done. This will help you from getting sick, but it also helps everyone around us, like when we don’t bring peanuts to school in case someone who is allergic gets really sick.
Soap is very effective, and it won’t dry out sensitive little hands the way antibacterial hand sanitizer can. In the morning, stamp your child’s hand with a non-toxic stamp and reward them at the end of the day when the ink has been washed away.
Teach them to cough into their elbow or shirt, not their hands, and have them try really, really hard not to pick their nose.
While honesty is vital, limit the amount and type of information children have access to. There is a lot of misinformation online and the tidal wave of newscasts and radio shows can be anxiety-inducing and “give children an exaggerated view of the risks associated with COVID-19,” Health Canada warns.
It goes on: “They do not need detailed information about events, but they do need to talk about their feelings. Let them know they can ask questions. Answer honestly, but make sure that the information is suitable for their age level. If you don’t know the answers, it’s okay to say so and together look for resources that can answer their questions.”
SOME THINGS TO AVOID
The Centres for Disease Control warn adults to be wary of stigma when talking to their children about coronavirus. “Viruses can make anyone sick, regardless of a person’s race or ethnicity. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID -19.”
Don’t tell your child they’ll be OK because mostly old people are getting sick. First of all, they think you’re old. Grandpa or a favourite aunt might be in the over-60 range — try to lessen their fear that something bad could happen to someone they love.
Don’t tell them that even if they get it, it won’t be bad. How sick a person feels is a matter of perspective — a common cold can be a terrible thing, even if they’re not in danger. Tell them you’ll be helping each other out no matter what happens. It’s possible to focus on the positive without setting yourself up for a betrayal situation.
Don’t tell them to calm down, even when they’re being dramatic. Redirect them by asking them to explain to a favourite stuffy — or their cat — what the virus is and what everyone’s roles are. This is a great way to make sure they understand about social distancing and why you’re nagging them about their hands again.