Answers to Seven Questions Your Children May Have About the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has changed the lives of everyone, even our children. Children are particularly sensitive to tension, especially when stress levels rise. This is certainly the case during this unprecedented global crisis. Children can feel anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty even if they do not fully understand. It’s therefore important to acknowledge these feelings and create an environment where children can openly ask questions and express their concerns.
It can be difficult to navigate conversations about COVID-19 in the presence of children. You might worry that if you talk too much about COVID-19, it will make them anxious, or you may not know how much information to give. You may wonder how you can reassure them while not downplaying the severity of the situation.
We’ve compiled answers to the seven most common questions children ask about COVID-19, along with practical advice on how to address their concerns thoughtfully and effectively. Let’s get started.
1. Can COVID-19 Increase My Child’s Anxiety?
Parents are hesitant to discuss difficult topics such as the pandemic for fear that their children will become more anxious. Researchers and child psychologists agree that this is not always the case.
When children understand what is happening around them, they feel more secure and safer. Fear is often a result of uncertainty and the unknown. By identifying the problem and discussing it with your child in an age-appropriate way, you can reduce anxiety. It is called “naming it to tame”: By naming fears and giving them words, you can help children feel in control.
Knowledge is a powerful weapon. Kids gain a sense of predictability during a chaotic time when they understand the virus, how it spreads, and what to do to be safe. Predictability is key to calming fears.
Talking about COVID-19 with your child in a reassuring but honest way will help them manage their emotions rather than cause anxiety. The key is to keep the conversation balanced–acknowledge the seriousness, but focus on the steps your family is taking to stay safe.
2. When is the Right Age to Talk to Kids about COVID-19
Age is important when it comes to COVID-19 and children. The way younger children understand health concepts and information is different from older kids.
- Children below 3 years: The best way to reassure toddlers and babies is through repetition and consistency, rather than elaborate explanations. Your tone and mood will be more important than your actual words.
- Ages 3-6: Children can understand basic concepts when explained simply. If you sa, There’s a new virus that is spreading, we can protect ourselves if we wash our hands and cover our coughs”, they will understand.
- Children aged 6 and older: Older kids can handle deeper information. Explain that the virus is spread by touching our faces after touching contaminated objects. Discuss why it is important to wash hands and avoid touching faces, especially for older people such as grandparents.
By tailoring your explanations according to the level of understanding, you can prevent confusion and help children feel empowered.
3. Should I Tell Them What the Symptoms are?
Yes! It’s important to explain COVID-19 symptoms in an easy-to-understand way to children of school age.
Fever, fatigue, and breathing difficulties are common symptoms. You should help your child distinguish between shortness of breath that is normal when they are playing or running, and shortness of breath when they are resting or walking.
Encourage your child to share if they are feeling unwell or noticing any of the symptoms. You can reassure your child that you are monitoring their health, perhaps by taking temperatures at night and in the morning.
By providing clear information on symptoms, children feel more in control and are less afraid of the unknown. This also encourages children to tell you if they are not feeling well.
4. How Can I Help Reduce My Children’s Anxiety about COVID-19
Reduce children’s fear during a pandemic by taking several deliberate steps.
Use age-appropriate and positive language.
Avoid words that could be frightening or disastrous. You might use the phrase “There is a dangerous germ everywhere” instead of “There are many viruses.”
Use messages that encourage the family to take action: “We’re doing all we can to avoid getting sick. We wash our hands, and we stay home when we feel unwell.”
Manage your Anxiety
Your stress level can influence your children’s. Avoid expressing your concerns in front of children. If you feel that you need help, ask for it from your friends, family, or professionals.
Limit Media Exposure
Children can be stressed out by constant exposure to COVID-19 news and social media. Avoid background noise by turning off the television or changing the channel while news is being broadcast. Choose age-appropriate programs or books that promote calm.
Plan and Follow Safety Procedures
Share with your family the plan you have for staying healthy. This includes washing hands regularly, canceling trips, avoiding crowds, and staying at home when sick. These steps protect everyone.
Try to maintain a regular schedule for mealtimes, naptimes, playtime, and bedtime. Normalcy makes them feel safer.
Calming Activities to Do Together
Take time to read, play board games, watch movies, or go for a walk. Treasure hunts and imaginative play are great activities for younger children to help them express themselves. You are your child’s greatest comfort.
5. What are Some Tips or Tricks to Promote Hand Washing?
It can be difficult to get kids to regularly and thoroughly wash their hands. Here are some practical and fun strategies.
- Develop a hand-washing habit. Encourage children to wash their hands at certain times, such as after using the toilet, before eating, when they have been playing outside, or after school.
- Sing the song: Washing your hands for as long as a favorite song lasts (sas usuchas “Happy Birthday” two times) will help you to get the timing right. You can create your hand-washing jingle.
- Play and dance: While washing your hands, put on music and dance with each other.
- Use glitter. Sprinkle some glitter on the hands of your students and then let them wash it away. This shows how germs are spread and how washing them cleans them.
- Positive reinforcement, Rewar,d and prai,se consistent handwashing to build good habits
Hand washing can be made fun to encourage children to do it properly and regularly.
6. What Should I Tell My Children if Their School or Activities are Cancelled, or We have to Self-isolate?
Here, honesty is key. Explain that the changes you are making will keep everyone safe by reducing the spread of germs.
Say, “Your school has closed because there are too many kids in the building.” “Staying home keeps everyone healthy and safe.”
Use simple language that is factual and concise, without a lot of detail. Assure your child that the measures taken are temporary and are meant to protect vulnerable individuals like grandparents.
Validate their feelings and answer their questions with patience. Acknowledge their feelings, even if they are sad or disappointed: “I understand that it is hard not to see your friends or attend your activities. It’s okay to be upset about this.”
7. What are Some Activities that We Can Do if We Have to Isolate Ourselves?
If you need to isolate yourself or your family for a time, keeping a structure and planning engaging activities will make it easier for all.
Maintain Routines
Keep similar bedtimes, mealtimes, and wake-up times. Predictability makes children feel more grounded and secure.
Plan Together Activities
Create a schedule for your child with their input, so that they know what’s coming. This could include:
- Schoolwork and learning activities: Reading or writing a bit helps to maintain skills.
- Create projects: Drawing, painting, or building with blocks are excellent outlets for emotions.
- Board Games and Puzzles: They can be a fun way to bond with your family.
- Baking and cooking: Children enjoy helping out in the kitchen. They also learn useful skills.
- Physical Activity: You should move around every day. Set up indoor dance parties, obstacle courses, or yoga stretches if outdoor play isn’t possible.
Encourage Emotional Expression
Allow children to express their feelings. Play and art are also powerful ways to process big emotions in stressful times.
Reassure yourself and stay positive.
Remember to remind your children and yourself that the situation is temporary. Following the rules will keep everyone safe and healthy.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to talk with your children about COVID-19, but it is necessary. Children can learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic by having honest, age-appropriate discussions. These conversations can reduce anxiety in children by giving them a sense that they are in control.
Be sure to validate their concerns and show them how to be calm and optimistic. Together, you and your family can overcome this difficult time.
Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed by your child’s emotional well-being or are unsure of how to best support them. You can reach out to child psychologists or counselors. Your attention and care will help build a resilient child for life.
