How Do I Explain Social Distancing to My Child?

Not only is social distancing challenging for ourselves, but explaining it to our children without causing alarm can be even harder. Below are some tips BASEC would like to offer to help orient one towards productive and helpful conversations with children.

“Our role is to keep others safe.”

As we explain COVID-19 and tell children about how they are least likely to be impacted by the virus, we can also explain that social distancing is how we can help control spreading the virus. Social distancing is how we can help the elderly or those with current underlying health issues not contract it. We can steer the conversation towards, “This is our civic duty.”

“This is temporary.”

Weeks-long school closures and limited interactions with family and friends is new to many of us, and this can feel overwhelming and isolating. However, we do know this will eventually pass, we just have to be patient.

“This is an opportunity to grow and discover.”

During a pandemic, Isaac Newton had to work from home, too. He used the time wisely , as outlined in this article from the Washington Post . We are finding right away that there are endless resources available to us within the confines of our homes and an abundance of communities who want to help. During this time, we can still encourage our children to invent, create, connect and explore!

“We have time to do things as a family.”

Often we are so wrapped up with our to-do lists and various enrichment activities that spending quality time as a family can be hard to come by. This is an opportunity for families to do special activities together.

CBC Kids News: " What Is Social Distancing? "

This brief video from CBC Kids News explains the purpose of social distancing to children. Kid-friendly and super accessible!

Make a Daily Schedule...

And Have Fun With It!