Dismiss Modal

With the new coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading in the U.S., your children may be hearing a lot about the outbreak from TV, social media, the internet, or other kids. Some of what they hear may frighten them.

That's understandable — and recent headlines may have you anxious too. But you can help calm any concerns your children have by talking with them about COVID-19.

COVID-19 Talking Points for Parents

Bassett pediatrician and co-director of the School-Based Health Program, Dr. Kerri LeBlanc, suggests taking time to understand what your children's worries might be. Here are some tips, courtesy of the National Association of School Nurses and other medical experts, for discussing COVID-19 with children:

  1. Let them know they can ask you about COVID-19. But don't force conversations.
  2. Be honest, calm, and reassuring. We're all concerned about the potential risks of COVID-19, and it's good to acknowledge that. But if you panic, your kids will too. Reassure them that many adults are working hard to keep your family safe. Younger kids, especially, may need to hear that from you.
    • Let your children know the reason why doctors want us to stay home: to help protect ourselves, our friends, and our neighbors from getting sick.
  3. Fight fear with facts. For instance, you can share with your kids (in age-appropriate terms they can understand) that:
    • Not everyone will get sick, and most people will only have a mild illness. Children are at a low risk for developing serious COVID-19 symptoms; if they were to get sick, it would most likely just be like any regular cold for them. It’s still important, though, to make sure we aren’t getting sick and spreading it around, to help protect the elderly and other people who are at risk of getting a more severe infection.
    • COVID-19 seems to spread like cold and flu germs — through close contact with someone who has the infection, such as when that person coughs or sneezes. It also may spread when people touch surfaces contaminated with COVID-19.
  4. Tell them how to stay healthy. We don't have a COVID-19 vaccine yet (doctors and other medical experts are working on that). In the meantime, knowing how they can help prevent COVID-19 may help your kids feel less anxious. Here are some of the best ways your children can help prevent COVID-19:
    • Wash your hands often. Scrub with soap and warm water for 20 seconds (a fun way to do this is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing your hands).
    • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If you have time, cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away afterwards, then wash your hands. If not, make sure you cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, then wash your hands.
    • Don't share food or drinks.
    • Try hard not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. These are places where germs can enter the body.

Be Prepared to Right any Rumors, Prejudice, Fear, or Blame

As COVID-19 has spread around the globe, so have myths and misplaced blame.

Listen to your child's concerns about COVID-19 and correct any confusion. You can find accurate and up-to-date information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC’s) website.

Sadly, some people may say wrong and hurtful things, such as blaming groups of people or their products for the virus. If other people say such things around your children, talk to your children about why those things are wrong to say. Remind your kids not to spread rumors.

Just be there for them

It's always important to give your children love and attention, but they may need a little more now. Be patient with them, and with yourselves during this difficult time.

Categories