How and why to talk to children about the coronavirus

Just keep silent about coronavirus communicating with a child will not work: the whole world is in quarantine, and news on the Internet, television and social networks is almost entirely devoted to the disease and everything connected with it.

A child of any age who is suddenly locked at home naturally has questions and anxiety. Therefore, parents need to raise the topic of coronavirus with him in order to convey truthful information and reduce stress levels.

Of course, depending on age, the conversation will be built in different ways. But here are the general rules on how to talk to your child about the coronavirus.

1. Don't panic yourself

Panic cannot help your family in any way, but it is well transmitted to the child, undermining both his physical and emotional health, and yours. Maintain information hygiene, use trusted sources of information, and don't give your child anxiety.

2. Don't talk about rumors

Even not in a conversation with a child, but simply in his presence, do not allow yourself to spread unverified information about the coronavirus. Especially if it is extremely negative in nature and associated with death.

3. Emphasize the positive

Yes, a lot of people got sick - that's bad. But at the same time, the mortality rate is quite low, hundreds of thousands of people have recovered, in 80% of those infected the disease is mild or generally asymptomatic - this is what needs to be emphasized.

4. Talk about how you can influence the situation

Explain to your child that the better he observes the rules of conduct during quarantine, the will be able to return to a full life faster: meet friends, play on sports grounds etc.

So that the child does not have a feeling of helplessness in the face of a new and fatal disease, tell us what to win it is quite easy - you just need to wash your hands as often and thoroughly as possible and disinfect some objects.

5. Make disinfection a game

Learn with your child a rhyme that he will repeat while washing his hands - so he will understand how long it takes to do it.

6. Stock up on information from reputable sources

Older children who actively use the Internet themselves may doubt your words if you do not refer to truly meaningful and authoritative sources. It is also worth explaining that quarantine is not a reason for joy, and one way or another, you will have to continue studying.

Be prepared to answer the child's “what if” questions: if the child gets sick or parents, if someone close to you dies, etc. Try to respond in the most positive way possible without hiding the truth.

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