5 tips on how to talk to kids about Coronavirus

How do you talk to young children about a word too big for them to say: ‘Coronavirus’? There is one simple answer: it depends.

By Australian parenting expert and father of 6 Dr Justin Coulson, PhD

To children under the age of 3 years

It will be unlikely they will have too many questions. We should usually answer with short sentences and minimal information. And then we talk about what we can do. For example, “We can’t see Grandma for a while because she lives at another house. But we can see her on the computer!”

Pre-school children

They need more information than our toddlers. But not much more. Answer their questions briefly to the extent that they are curious, and then check that they have had enough. Only answer what you know. For example, “Do you have any other questions?” or “What else would you like to know?”

Most importantly, give them a hug and get them involved in helping you or another family member with something fun (and a little distracting).

Heard

We often say

“Oh, it’ll be OK”, or “You’ll be just fine” to our children when they worry. But these responses can feel dismissive. To really hear, we should stop what we are doing, look into their eyes, and listen carefully. Instead of telling them “it’s OK” when they clearly think it’s not, we should name their feelings to tame their feelings:

“You’re really worried about Grandpa, aren’t you?”

“You’re so sad that you can’t have your birthday with all of your friends and cousins.”

Healthy

Most important

Our children need to be healthy. Teach them how to wash hands, cough safely, and stay healthy. These habits will save lives.

Humour

Laughter is the best medicine

And powerful stress relief. And infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers love to laugh! Play peek-a-boo. Sing songs. Dance. Tickle. Draw. Bang spoons on saucepans. Read stories.

Our children’s laughter can also provide a welcome distraction for us from the troubles around us. Laugh with them!

Help

Helping builds relationships

It enhances feelings of competence and gives children a sense of purpose. It’s a wonderful way to step out of fear and worry and into confidence and hope.

Hope

Our children need to believe in a positive future

They need to be able to explore with confidence. To do this, they need to feel secure. As we lovingly hold them close and encourage safe exploration, they will feel our faith in them. They will believe in themselves – and in their future. They will develop resilience.

Communicating with gentle understanding, finding the funny, and giving to others, builds hope. And our happy children, more than any other gift in life, bring hope.