|
Talking to Children about Covid 19
Parents and teachers are faced with the challenge of discussing the evolving coronavirus outbreak with young children. Although these may be difficult conversations, they are also important. There are no "right" or "wrong" ways to talk with children about such public health emergencies. However, here are some suggestions you may find helpful:
1. Create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions.
2. Answer questions honestly. Children will usually know, or eventually find out, if you're "making things up".
3. Use words and concepts children can understand. Gear your explanations to the child's age, language, and developmental level.
4. Help children find accurate and up to date information.
5. Be prepared to repeat information and explanations several times. Some information may be hard to accept or understand.
6. Acknowledge and validate the child's thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Let them know that you think their questions and concerns are important and appropriate.
7. Remember that children tend to personalize situations. For example, they may worry about their own safety and the safety of immediate family members.
8. Be reassuring, but don't make unrealistic promises. It's fine to let children know that they are safe in their house or in their school.
9. Let children know that there are lots of people helping the people affected by the coronavirus outbreak. I
10.Children learn from watching their parents and teachers. They will be very interested in how you respond to news about the coronavirus outbreak.
11.Don't let children watch too much television with frightening images.
12.Children who have experienced serious illness or losses in the past are particularly vulnerable to prolonged or intense reactions to graphic news reports or images of illness or death.
13.Children who are preoccupied with questions or concerns about the coronavirus outbreak should be evaluated by a trained and qualified mental health professional. Other signs that a child may need additional help include: ongoing sleep disturbances, intrusive thoughts or worries, recurring fears about illness or death, reluctance to leave parents or go to school.
14. Although parents and teachers may follow the news and the daily updates with interest and attention, most children just want to be children.
Public health emergencies are not easy for anyone to comprehend or accept. Understandably, many young children feel frightened and confused. As parents, teachers, and caring adults, we can best help by listening and responding in an honest, consistent, and supportive manner. Fortunately, most children, even those exposed to loss or illness, are quite resilient. However, by creating an open environment where they feel free to ask questions, we can help them cope with stressful events and experiences and reduce the risk of lasting emotional difficulties.
We urge you to read the complete article by clicking on PDF here:
David Fassler, MD, is a member of the Consumer Issues Committee at AACAP. Dr. Fassler is a child and adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Burlington, Vermont. He is also a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine.
| 
