How Should I Talk to my Child About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A Coronavirus is a common virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. The COVID-19 Coronavirus was discovered after a December 2019 outbreak in China. Symptoms of COVID-19 can usually show up between 2 to 14 days after exposure. Before we examine how likely you are of contracting COVID-19, it is important to remember that there is really no need to panic. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the disease goes away on its own quickly and without any complications. With that in mind, let's begin. Is your child showing any signs of anxiousness due to the virus?

Children can become anxious and agitated in confusing or unusual situations. The best way to respond to these reactions as a parent is to be reassuring, supportive, and to listen when they want to talk. Do you avoid talking to your child about the virus?

It’s important for your child to know what is going on. Provide correct information on the situation to your child and explain how to stay safe in a way that is easy to understand. Is your child worried about getting infected?

Coronavirus cases in children have so far been very, very rare. Nevertheless, if you are living in an area where an outbreak has already occurred, it’s important to teach your children to avoid contact with their face and eyes, and to wash their hands regularly with soap and water. Also, tell your kids to stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Is your child anxious because someone they know has been hospitalized?

Try to reassure your child and help them focus on the positive. Explain that the person in question is in good hands and is being taken care of by doctors. It may help to tell your child that in the past similar situations have occurred and that doctors have always found a solution. Do you get stressed when your child talks about the virus?

If you feel stressed when your child discusses the Coronavirus, take a deep breath and try to maintain a positive expression. Keeping yourself calm and collected will help reassure your child that they are safe.