A recent Ipsos survey reported that four out of five Americans want cities quarantined in the event of a coronavirus outbreak. California is closing some schools for up to 30 days, with teachers running classes virtually. All the panic out there can certainly lead to very confusing and scary thoughts for children. It’s important to remain level-headed in all of this to prevent anxiety and stress from overwhelming our kids.
Having a conversation with your kids about the coronavirus is important. Before you do, though, make sure you fully understand what the risks are and how to protect your family.
What kids need to know about the coronavirus
What to say — and what not to say
What to say
My conversation with my son started with the facts, and then included how to understand the symptoms, the real risk, and how to avoid exposure to the coronavirus. I think it’s a good time to remind children that good hygiene is the best defense against the coronavirus, the flu, and any other germ that may negatively affect our health.
This is also when you should be talking to your kids about social distancing, and why things like playdates and parties need to be put on hold for now. Explain that while they or their friends might not be sick, they can still be carrying the virus and can pass it on to others.
Washing your hands, not sharing beverages or utensils, and doing your best to avoid contact with sick people is the best way to avoid getting any type of illness, including the coronavirus.
Be mindful of what kids may be hearing from friends and peers. Lynee Port’s elementary-aged daughter was told by a classmate that “everyone was getting sick and was going to die.” “I started with assuring her it was nothing to panic about. That, as her mother, my sole job is to protect her, so if I wasn’t panicking, she did not need to,” Port told Mom.com.
What not to say
The general consensus is that if you’re afraid, your children will be afraid. Watch your language and avoid routinely using words such as “deadly” or “fatal.”
As Heidelberger told Mom.com, “Control yourself, people! Keep yourselves together. Keep calm and carry on.”
This view isn’t to dismiss the dangers, but to instead put it in perspective: Every single day, regardless of the coronavirus, we are at risk of getting sick and, potentially, contracting a fatal illness.
Every single one of us needs to be vigilant about washing our hands, managing anxiety, and helping our children learn to cope with real dangers in a rational way.
