
TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT COVID-19
PARENT RESOURCE
Remain calm and reassuring.
- Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions.
- What you say and do about COVID-19 can increase or decrease your children’s anxiety.
- Emphasize to children that they (and your family) are fine.
- Remind them that you and the adults at their school are there to keep them safe and healthy.
- Let children talk about their feelings and help reframe thoughts into a healthy perspective.
Make yourself available.
- Children need attention from you and want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
- It is important that they know they have someone who will listen to them; make time for them.
- Tell them you love them and give them plenty of affection.
Monitor television viewing and social media.
- Limit television viewing and access to Internet and social media. Try to avoid watching or listening to information that might be upsetting when your children are present. Ensure children are not around when talking to other adults, as those conversations may not be age appropriate.
- Discuss with children about COVID-19 on the Internet, explain that it may be based on rumors and inaccurate information.
- Talk to your child about factual information about the virus—this can help reduce anxiety.
- Avoid constantly watching updates on the status of COVID-19 as this can increase anxiety.
- Engage your child in games or other interesting activities instead.
Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.
- Keep to a regular schedule, as this can be reassuring and promotes social, emotional, and physical health.
- Encourage your children to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities per expert advice.