How to Talk to Your Child about the Coronavirus?

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, gatherings are restricted to follow social distancing norms. This is the only way to prevent Covid-19 spread. At this point, educational institutes are closed for more than a year. Children are missing their school a lot. Indeed, they are learning online, but a school is not just a place to become educated- it teaches socialization and many other important life skills. 

Children are not always able to figure out the reason behind their extended school closures. Actually, no one has the time to explain the reason behind the school closures. Instead, all are trying to make them used to with virtual learning format. Here, parents need to talk to their children about Coronavirus and its impact on us to make them aware of the situation. Here is how parents can discuss Coronavirus with their children: 

Inform about the Virus - Signs, and Impacts

To inform the children about the reason behind their school closures, parents can straightway discuss the virus itself. Inform children how deadly the virus is and how it can be traced. Inform them what the visible signs of Covid-19 are. Make them aware of the spread of virus, so that they can take preventions from their end when they point out a person with any sign of Covid-19. Also, tell them what the consequences are if this is not treated seriously. 

This information is important to make the children sensible. Take help of animations and infographics to inform all these. On the internet all these resources are available, so, use these to make things clear to your child. 

Discuss about the Precautions

Telling about the virus and its impacts is just a part of the conversation. Extend the conversation by shedding light on the precaution part. After knowing about the virus and its deadly impacts, the children will definitely become curious to know the ways of preventing it. 

To discuss this, start with the use of masks and social distancing. Explain how social distancing helps in preventing the spread of the virus. At this point, explain in detail why the decision was taken to close the schools for the time being. You can tell them how school closure can improve the situation and why opening schools now is not that safe. Also, tell them that this is just a temporary solution and schools will reopen soon. It will make the children hopeful. Tell them about the vaccinations too. 

Talk about Hygiene and Healthy Habits

Discussion on Covid-19 will give chance to the parents a chance to discuss healthy habits and practices. Inform your child what they can do to stay safe from the virus. Discuss the importance of using of mask, and sanitizer, avoiding sneeze and spit in public places, and avoiding handshakes/touches. 

While informing them what to avoid, teach them the alternative ways. For example, teach them to greet others from a distance or elbow bumps instead of handshakes. Before eating, the importance of washing hands for 20 seconds should also be a part of this discussion. 

Offer Them A Behavioral Lesson

Include behavioral lessons in this discussion. In this, include how to behave with a person who tested Covid-19 positive. Covid-19 means physically distant but socially connected. So, a Covid-19 positive person needs to be given mental support. 

While talking to children, avoid the terms like “victim”, “cases”, and “intentional spreading”. This will create a panic in them and they will start avoiding people with minimal signs of Covid-19. Make a list of do's and don’ts in terms of their behavior with people who are tested positive or have signs of Coronavirus. 

Give Them Hopes with Your Words 

Tell your child that detecting with Covid-19 positive does not mean the end of life. Rather, people with mild signs can be cured without even hospitalization. Denote the importance of home quarantine. Parents have to try not to encourage or create panic in their children. Instead, they need to teach their children healthy habits and alternatives to do during this time. 

Encourage Curiosity 

This is such a topic that makes children curious. So, they will keep making questions on each and every explanation. Have patience and time to answer these questions. Also, make sure that you are logical in your answer to offer a compact understanding of Covid-19. 

This long school closure probably makes the children most depressed. Adults can communicate with their fellow classmates and colleagues through video calls or occupied with studies, assignments, or office work. But, there is no one to communicate with children. At this point, understanding the situation will help them to become more sensible. Parents can arrange a video call for their children with their schoolmates to allow them a chance to enjoy the break hours of school. It will refresh their minds a lot during this pandemic situation. 

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Rachita

Rachita is a content writer for MyPrivateTutor Qatar with 5+ years of hands-on experience. Apart from writing content, she is a music lover and an amateur guitarist who is always trying for bettering her skills from online lessons. In terms of music, she is so old-school that she listens to Linkin Park and Backstreet Boys on the loop till date.