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Talking About COVID-19 with Your Children

During this time of uncertainty amidst a pandemic, parents may be wondering what to share with their children and how to navigate COVID-19. While parents around the world search for the right words to explain it to their children, here are a few tips to help get you through:

Mother Talking to Child | Children's World Learning Center

Make Them Feel Safe

With COVID-19 being the topic of conversation worldwide, it is very likely that your children have heard about it at least once. Inform them in ways that they can understand, but make sure to keep calm and be careful in the words you choose. Let them know that it is only temporary and that everything is going to be okay.

Provide Facts

Children need honest answers that are simple to understand. Explain to them that the coronavirus is a type of germ that can make you sick. The germs enter your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes. That means that when someone coughs and touches something, if you touch it after them, those germs might get into your body. Let them know that it is important to wash your hands to keep the germs off.

Keep Developmental Stage in Mind

Your child is not going to immediately start keeping his hands to himself after being told that there is a virus going around. Your preschooler will probably still need your help washing her hands even if you’ve shown her what to do 20 times. Keep their developmental stages in mind during this time and keep your expectations realistic.

Model Behavior

When unfamiliar things occur, children look to their parents or caregivers for guidance. Keep a positive attitude and be a good example to follow for hygiene and social distancing. Wash your hands frequently at home and keep your hands away from your face, and remind your children to do so as well.

Expectations

While we are unsure of what to expect in the weeks and months ahead, we know that many businesses are closing and we will be seeing less of the people in our lives. Many families must find ways to pass the time spent at home while they are out of work or school. We also know that COVID-19 can present itself similar to a typical cold for some, while for others, the effects are much more serious.

Overall, take care of yourself and your loves ones during this time. While things may be different, and maybe even a bit difficult for the time being, it won’t last forever.

Children’s World

At Children’s World Learning Center, we know that the early years of life matter because early experiences affect the brain. As a child’s brain grows, the quality of the experiences that a child has creates either a sturdy or fragile foundation for all of the development and behaviors that follow. Parents want to make educated choices for their families, and getting things right the first time is better than trying to fix them later. Contact us today!

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