Coronavirus and Children – What to do

Talking to children about Coronavirus can be hard; as adults we know much more than they do, and we worry about making them anxious.

Sometimes this can stop us talking directly to children about Coronaviru

Coronavirus and Children

s and this can make them even more anxious. It’s always better to have a conversation with a child than to try and ignore it.

  • With young children kneel down so they can see your face while you are talking
  • Use language which they can understand
  • Answer the question they have asked – don’t go into lengthy explanations
  • Try and use examples that they are familiar with e.g. “It’s like when you were ill last year and had to stay off school”.
  • Add an element of fun where you can – try singing a favourite song while washing your hands together for 20 seconds
  • Stick to routine if possible; children feel safe when they know what is going to happen next. Have a structure that you stick to each day with regular mealtimes and bedtimes
  • Be careful of how much information your child is getting from the media one topic can make them more anxious
  • Try to avoid having conversations in front of children when they are not included; overhearing things and how concerned you are will worry them
  • If they are worried, reassure them that most people get better and that people aren’t unwell for long
  • Do get your information from reliable sources such as Governmentwebsites, the NHS or the BBC
  • Here is a great story about the pandemic for kids  https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf

Being isolated, bored and anxious at home can lead to feelings of low mood, irritability and depression. I have put together some top apps for children and teens that should help keep them amused. Some apps are fun some more educational. Before handing a phone or tablet over to a kid, make sure they don’t know the password for your account, and that they need to ask before they click.