Darrick Robles Corona scares many children
The coronavirus is presenting people of all ages with a new reality. But where adults can obtain targeted information, children are often left alone with their questions and concerns. It is all the more important now to respond to them, take them seriously and talk to them about Corona. A complex task, no question. These strategies can help you calm your children’s fears of the coronavirus.
listen to your child
Address the topic of Corona openly and find out what your child already knows about it and what questions they have. Don’t downplay your child’s fears. Nor should the coronavirus be a taboo subject. Your child should know that they can talk to you about it at any time. Make them understand that it’s perfectly normal to have respect for the virus, but there’s no need to fear or panic.
Younger children cannot yet openly say that they are concerned. It is important to take a close look here. An anxious child can B. appear tired, restless or nervous, or it complains of a headache or stomach ache. The appetite or the ability to concentrate may decrease. Also, if a child withdraws or brings up the topic on their own very often, it can be a sign that they are very concerned.
Find simple and age-appropriate explanations
If the family is talking about the coronavirus, the child should be in a safe and comfortable situation. This can e.g. B. painting or playing. The familiar setting takes some of the weight off the subject.
Your answers to your child’s questions should be short, clear, and honest. You don’t need to go into statistics or concrete risks. Your child should know that even if they do contract the coronavirus, the likelihood of the disease will be mild. A comparison with the flu or a cold is useful here.
Whenever there is talk in the media about people dying, you should tell your child that these are rare cases. If your child is worried because e.g. For example, if grandma and grandpa are older and belong to a risk group, you should explain to them that measures such as curfews are there to protect them.
You don’t have to have answers to all your child’s questions. If you don’t know something, admit it openly. If your child is older, you can decide together where to find the information you are looking for.
Convey calm and security
In order for children to have a sense of security, it is important that they do not experience their parents being anxious or even panicking. You should therefore not only pay attention to how you talk to your child about Corona, but also how you treat the topic to other adults. The children often listen and attach particular importance to these conversations between adults.
Keep calm and show your children that everything is under control and there is no reason for hopelessness. Regularly reassure your children that you are there for them and that you care about them. This also means that the topic of Corona does not determine every conversation. By always focusing on other things, you show your children that the virus does not control all of life.
Watch your choice of words
Your use of language can contribute to how your child perceives the crisis. Children often have keen antennae for the way we talk about a topic.
These sentences give security:
- “We can all stay healthy by keeping our distance from other people.”
- “The curfews protect us.”
- “I’m here and I’ll take care of you.”
These phrases are scary:
- “Don’t go to that person or you’ll get infected and get sick.”
- “The curfews are annoying.”
- “It’s all so hopeless and sad.”
Emphasize the positive news
The corona virus is not a nice topic. Nevertheless, right now there are many bright spots that give hope. You should pay particular attention to this aspect when you talk to your children about the virus. Explain to them that there are effective guidelines and protective measures in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Many people who fell ill with Corona recovered quickly and are now healthy again. Everyone is working together to stop the virus: doctors and nurses who are helping the sick, but also scientists who are looking for a vaccine and politicians who are coming up with rules to protect the population. Everyone can help – no matter how small.
Make handwashing a game
Convincing a child of the importance of washing their hands has never been easier than now! Explain to your child that in doing so they are making an important contribution to the health of many people. Singing a song, such as “Happy Birthday” twice in a row, while washing your hands will help children adhere to the recommended 20-second wash time.
Our tip: Turn hand washing into a game, for example by drawing a small virus on the back of your child’s hand with a skin-friendly pen. This must be washed off by the evening. You can also keep a tally on the bathroom mirror: Which family member washed their hands most often?
In addition to proper hand hygiene, your child should also know the cough and sneeze etiquette. Even very small children understand that you can wave instead of shaking hands. You can also tell your child not to touch their face, but don’t expect too much on this point – many adults also have great problems with this requirement.
Reflect on your child’s media consumption
Many children have access to a wide range of information about the corona virus via their own mobile phone or computer. Unlike adults, they often find it difficult to distinguish between serious and dubious sources. There are many rumors circulating that can be scary.
Here, too, you are asked: Talk to your children about where the information comes from. A child should know that you shouldn’t believe everything that’s on the Internet. Social media in particular is far from just spreading facts, but also lots of inaccurate statements and simply wrong information.
Encourage your child to be happy
More than ever, children in this exceptional situation need everyday life and normality. By continuing to let your child play and learn, spend a lot of time with them and laugh a lot with them, you show them that life is beautiful even now and that your child can and should enjoy it. It is important that you have a positive attitude yourself. It conveys optimism and confidence and is also transferred to your child.
Important information for all parents
You can also book video consultations for children at Med-Healths. If your child is ill, you have the opportunity to speak to an experienced pediatrician at your desired appointment – without a waiting room and without waiting. A little more security for your family, especially now during the Corona pandemic.
