Helping Little Kids Understand the Coronavirus
Helping Little Kids Understand Coronavirus
Young children mostly take their cues about how to react to situations from the adults and caregivers around them. The Coronavirus poses certain challenges because it is an unprecedented situation and the experts don't yet have all the answers. Still, we can help young children cope and increase their sense of safety, by sharing what we do know, in a developmentally appropriate way.
The infographic below shares information from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control.
Helping Little Kids Understand Coronavirus
1. Talk About It
Most children would have heard about the virus or seen people wearing masks. This is your opportunity to keep them informed and set the tone.
2. Be Developmentally Appropriate
Try answering their questions instead of volunteering too much information as this may be overwhelming.
3. Let them talk about their worries
Be open and invite them to discuss what they may have heard and how they feel.
4. Focus on what they can do to keep safe.
Help your kids feel empowered by teaching them what they can do to keep safe. Show them how to wash their hands and how to sneeze and cough properly.
5. Stick to a routine
School might have been shut down, so it's up to you to keep your kid's day structured. Create and stick to structures for mealtime, study and play.
6. Manage your own anxiety
When you notice yourself feeling anxious, take time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answering your child's questions.
More Help for Younger Kids
Links will be added below, as the new post goes live.
Check out this FREE DOWNLOAD workbook to help kids understand the Coronavirus, calm their fears and empower them to help slow the spread.
Check out this podcast that was just re-released by Dr. Robyn, where we talk about helping kids with anger and other BIG feelings...super important when the kids are home full time.
COVID19 and Coping: The Series
Don't Miss a Thing
Be well,
Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD, is the founder of Kidlutions and co-author of BLOOM: 50 Things to Say, Think and Do with Anxious, Angry and Over-the-Top Kids, co-creator of BLOOM Brainsmarts, and creator of The Joyful Parent. She is the author of numerous workbooks and resources to help from the preschool through the teen years.
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