Talking with Your Child About Coronavirus

News about coronavirus (COVID-19) is everywhere.  It’s on the news, social media, and even talked about at your local neighborhood grocery store.  Chances are your child already knows about coronavirus. They’ve heard it from a teacher at school, on the playground, or from a close friend or family member.  With so much information going around, it’s important to not be afraid of talking with your child about coronavirus. 

Don’t be afraid to start the conversation

As a parent, you are the most reputable source of information according to your children.  Therefore, it’s important to have an honest dialogue with your child to provide information at an age appropriate level.  You can start by asking what your child knows at coronavirus or what they have heard. Ask them what their thoughts are about what they have heard.  Be as honest with them, discussing with them information you feel they need to know. 

Talk to your child when you are calm

Before talking with your child, check in with yourself to examine your own thoughts and feelings about the information you have heard.  If you are anxious or worried, make sure you are in a calm space before talking with your child. Children often look to parents for reassurance during times of uncertainty.  Your ability to remain calm will send a cue to your child that they are okay.

Be reassuring

With events being cancelled and/or schools being shut down, your child may be disappointed or confused as to why all of this is happening.  Since the spread of the COVID-19 is something outside of the realm of your control as a parent and for them as a child, reminding your child what you do have control over can be helpful.  Focus on things you and your family can do to remain safe. This will help redirect thoughts to things within the realm of your control versus things that are outside of it.

Create a new routine

And finally, establish a routine.  With so many things shifting it can be hard to know what to expect in the upcoming days, weeks, and months ahead, but finding a new “normal” can be helpful in allowing your children to know what to expect.  Take this time to find ways you can engage with your children more. Take a walk outside, play a game, or find something creative to do.

Just as each of us has responded differently to the news of COVID-19, remember each child will respond differently too.  Some children will be more worried than others, reacting in various ways. Keep the lines of communication open between you and your child.  Provide reassurance to your child as needed, and find ways to focus on the ways time at home could be not only beneficial to your family, but to the world at large. For further support, you can also seek child therapy as well.

Christy Pennison, LPC-S, is a board-certified professional counselor and owner of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting. She is a mental health consultant and counselor in Alexandria, LA. She is passionate about inspiring hope through counseling to help individuals move forward and live fully.