Talking with your child about COVID-19 can assist them to make some sense of what they are seeing, hearing and feeling in the world of adults and others around them. Children have very good radars and they pick up on the mood of those around them, especially the adults in their lives. When your child does not understand the situation they can have emotions such as fear, have anxious thoughts, possibly increased clinginess, worries, lots of questions, mood changes and even behavioural changes.
It is important to make time to talk with your child about COVID-19. It is helpful to start from the perspective of what your child already knows. Display a curiosity in listening to what they have heard and observed from others and on the News about COVID-19. This can include providing a time your child feels comfortable to ask questions. Try to answer any questions as honestly and as simply as you can, in an age appropriate way. Stick to the facts but remember that you don’t have to talk about the graphic details. It is okay to not have all the answers. If you aren’t sure, be confident in saying you don’t know but that you will try to find out.
As a supporting parent or just a family friend, it is important to normalise your child’s feelings. Be yourself, showing your child it is okay to have emotions however when around your child try to stay grounded with your emotions, so you can be brave for them in being the support they need and can trust.
If you try to ignore COVID-19 discussion with your child they may end up making stories with their imagination coming up with all sorts of possibilities of what could happen. It is an opportunity to promote hope by sharing information of what actions have been done by the government, what Doctors and nurses are doing and what actions you and your children can participate in like washing hands etc.
At this time it is important for children as well as adults to maintain a daily routine. Try to limit TV watching at this time as the News keeps popping up and try being aware of your conversations on the mobile phone that occur in your child’s presence.
As with adults find ways to keep your child connected with friends and family using face time, looking at photos or sending artwork to others.
This time for us all can be a stressful time, a time of change and uncertainty. Yet it is also an opportunity to build resilience and help our children develop their resilience through some of these tools.
