How to talk to your children about Covid-19

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It can be tricky knowing how to approach your children about traumatic events. The Raising Hope Network has developed 5 steps to consider when thinking about discussing the Covid-19 pandemic with your children.

 

1. Establish a foundation

Before talking to your child reflect on the impact that Covid-19 has had on your child’s basic needs.  It is important to acknowledge these needs during your conversation (Seely & Haller, 2018).

Many families have been struggling to purchase some items at the shop such as: toilet paper, rice, pasta, noodles and canned food. Don’t hide this from your children, be honest and include them in how to change your weekly meal planning.

Concentrate on the things you can control including providing a comfortable environment at home. Either keep routines as close as possible to normal or develop new ones that work in the new conditions your family is experiencing (Concordia College, 2018). Routines such as cooking pancakes on Sunday morning, watching special movies or playing games on Friday nights help children to have some normality. Try to keep bedtime routines as a stable and consistent practice. Bedtime routines assist with development and well-being as well as incorporating activities that promote hygiene, communication and physical contact (Mindell & Williamson, 2018).

 

2. Provide a safe place

When your child is confident in their basic needs being met explore how much they already know about Covid-19. They may say they are aware of a virus or the Corona virus however they may also be confused as what this means. Provide reassurance but be cautious not to minimise their concerns (UNICEF,2020). Be honest with your children whilst providing them with age appropriate information.

Discuss hygiene practices with your children particularly the importance of hand washing. Older children will benefit from a reminder on how to do this effectively. Use a fun poster displayed in your bathroom, watch The Wiggles or Play School videos on hand washing and make this a fun and enjoyable activity!

Briefly explain the benefits of physical distancing and that to protect our family and friends we should cough or sneeze into our elbows and stay home if we are unwell (UNICEF,2020). 

 

3. Connected together

Concentrate on building a meaningful relationship with your child as this will assist with their resilience and ability to manage their emotions. In an effort to counteract the powerless they may be feeling provide them options to chose from, for example at lunch ask them if they want a ham sandwich or a cheese sandwich. Even small decisions will help them to feel in control over some decisions in their life (Concordia College, 2018).

Whilst you may notice some changes to your child’s behaviour, understand that this is a normal response to the effect of the pandemic and feeling protected by their caregivers right now is essential (Seely & Haller, 2018).

When talking with your child about Covid-19 do this at a time when there is no distractions around and give them your full attention. Let them lead the conversation and be cautious not to use language that is vague or worrying.  If they ask a question you don’t know the answer to it is ok to say you don’t have the answer. Use the computer to access reputable and trustworthy sources such as WHO or Queensland Health (Concordia College, 2018; UNICEF,2020).

 

4. Meaningful accomplishments 

Participating in hobbies can be a fun and satisfying activity to pass time, learn new skills, improve your existing skills and to socially connect to other people in your community. Research shows that people who engage in regular enjoyable hobbies have better psychological outcomes (Pressman et al., 2009). For children in particular, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network highlights having a hobby is a protective factor for children who experience traumatic events and subsequently builds resilience (Barlett & Steber, 2019). Your child’s current extra-curriculum activities may be adapted to the online environment enabling them to participate from home. In this case talk to your child about how their classes will work, who they will see and be sure to reiterate rules about online privacy. If your child’s hobby is unable to transfer to an online medium think about a similar hobby or activities related to their chosen hobby or perhaps something completely new.

Ensure you recognise your child’s participation and achievements in their hobby in order to help them have a sense of accomplishment, increase their sense of worth and self-esteem (Maslow, 1943).

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5. Having fun 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Incorporating elements of fun during the Covid-19 Pandemic and through the transition phase will provide your family with an outlet to feel invigorated and as a strategy to prepare for stress as it arises (Pressman et al., 2009).  Talk to your children about different activities they would like to do and consider adding these into your routine regularly to break up the day. Activities can be an opportunity to come together as a family, for children to learn through play, for siblings to connect and just a chance to laugh and enjoy your time in pandemic.

Check out the activities tab on this website to view a number of activities to get you started!