How to Talk with Your Children about COVID-19

It is okay to talk to your children about the virus!  Avoiding the subject can be more worrisome for children, and there are ways to share information and be reassuring.   Keep your discussion developmentally appropriate and take cues from your child.  Remember that our children are looking to us to determine how to react. Limit their screen time, and particularly limit access to the ongoing news about the virus. Invite them to share what they have heard and how they feel.  Then use these guidelines:

For our Early Elementary Students:

• Keep information brief and simple about the virus, balanced with appropriate reassurances that adults are there to keep them healthy or take care of them whenever they are sick
• Give simple examples of the steps taken to stop germs and stay healthy such as hand washing
• Focus on what you are doing to stay safe as a family

For Upper Elementary and Early Middle School Students:

• Remind children that many posts on social media are inaccurate
• They may need assistance separating reality from rumor
• Be honest with them about things changing day to day and let them know that although you may not have all the answers right now, you will share once you know more
• Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to be proactive and prevent the spread of germs

For Upper Middle School and High School Students:

• They are able to discuss the issue more in-depth and can be referred directly to appropriate sources of COVID-19 facts (see links below).
• Provide honest, accurate and factual information as knowledge may help them feel a sense of control

Create a Healthy Daily Routine with Structure to Increase Predictability.  Here is a sample daily schedule:

Informative Articles

Links to informative articles:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Talking to Children about COVID-19