Talking with Kids About the Virus
photo credit: shorturl.at/cmn79
#1 – Only say things that you can be sure of.
This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to fall prey to over promising when we try to assure our kids. It feels good to say things like, “We won’t get sick,” or “I’d never let anything happen to you,” but can make us into liars. What we can say is, “We are talking good care so that we can stay healthy,” and “If anyone in our family does get sick we will take care of them just like we always do.”
#2 – Let them help.
Hand Washing
Explain that colds are spread by the tiny particles that get put in the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or touches somethings. That’s why we all need to wash our hands after touching something that someone else has touched, even if they don’t look like they have a cold. Practice good handwashing together to ensure that they understand that they need to also wash the backs of their hands and between their fingers for 20 seconds (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html). Pick a favorite song that they can sing a part of to both ensure that 20 seconds have passed and that they stay with the task for the whole time period. Singing the Happy Birthday song all the way through two times also works.
Choosing to Isolate
When your kids complain about not being able to see their friends it can be frustrating, particularly the umpteenth time. Remember, they are much less able to cope with frustration and disappointment. Respond with understanding and empathize. Then help them to choose to engage in social isolation by redirecting their focus.
For younger kids: They can write a letter to their friend (practices creative writing, grammar and spelling). They can Skype or Facetime with them. Or, they can do something with you – make cookies, read to each other, build a forte in the living room, etc…
For older kids: They are already texting, Facetiming, and more. Now is not the time to get concerned about the increased screen time. For t’ween and teens their world is their peer group. This is likely to hit them the hardest. Let them connect with their friends and help them find additional platforms/websites that can engage their interests. And, don’t forget to monitor what they are doing and what they are finding. The increased presence is a cyber predator’s dream come true.
Get into a Routine
Making things predictable is one of the best ways to get through a transition. I understand that this is difficult as the situation continues to be fluid, but somethings are already known. The kids are out of school and all of our families have been asked to help them complete the school year virtually. Set a schedule. Keep to a bedtime. Wake up at the same time every day and have breakfast. Set a time for schoolwork. Make sure they get time for exercise and play. The day can look however your family wants. Get the kids to participate. If they have a say in the schedule they will be much more likely to comply with it.
These are uncharted times. Think about how you want to look back on this time, and then set your course.
Good informational aids:
Elementary School Age
BrainPop: https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR0SCcjA0MsEgZ_bko8BI2aYWBUFZnK_-tOjaEAO8lzRL8sDv73aQtTSA_c
Middle School and High School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgBla7RepXU&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3yMYZtKs_iHfWUYRtHevEjFazZhU1AaOWlR3w3JDeWjxQm8Ish8OK8VTo
Stay Well,
Deanna Beech, Ph.D.
Helping children build skills for a lifetime of happiness.
The Brier Patch, LLC
www.thebrierpatch.com
