Tip 1 «What do you know?»
Ask your child what she knows about the disease, based on her age. The older ones can be asked what they were told at school or what their classmates are saying, the younger ones – what they heard from adults. In this you will build your further conversation. Now is the time to tell your child about the body and human physiology, about the immune system, the body’s defenses and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Look at the reaction of children. If your child doesn’t want to talk about these topics right away, don’t worry about it.
Tip 2 Truth and nothing but Truth
The main thing is not to scare, but to say the right things. Focus on the nature of the counter questions, do not overload the information. If your child is interested in the issue of quarantine duration, talk about his / her urgent need as a security measure and feel free to admit that you do not know the exact date of the end of the security measures. Do not tell what the child does not ask. You can find answers to the questions together on the official websites of the organizations. Sometimes children find themselves more adept and knowledgeable in the online world than we are parents. However, official sites do not publish content with scary headlines or horrible fakes.
Tip 3 Keep Calm
#iammother can get hysterical about any little thing about her baby’s health. But now is the time to be sensible: calmly explain what symptoms people may be experiencing. Children are probably already familiar with the signs of a cold or the flu, and this will help relieve the unnecessary psychological strain. Give children the opportunity to voice their own fears and anxieties, letting them know that they will not hurt as adults. Stay friends – be patient and answer questions that scare your kid with patience.
Tip 4 Keep an eye out for sources of information
Media issues are extremely important at this time. Do not search for information from questionable sources, do not retell gossip and visit the official sites more often. Explain to the children the difference between facts, support them and let them feel your authority. Of course, you will discuss current events, but refrain from commenting. Note that quite often children are more concerned about loved ones than about themselves. In this case, it is better to call your grandparents together and ask about their well-being than discuss fakes.
Tip 5 Your Personal Example
Your child will do what you do. Follow the well-known but important recommendations to prevent the spread of the disease: wash your hands more often, do your homework together, treat the surfaces you frequently touch (switches and door handles), do not go outside unnecessarily. It should be explained to children that stress is a psychological condition that is sometimes felt by both children and adults. However, with time it will pass, life will return to the usual rhythm, and together you will become more enduring.
From editor The situation is serious, but the health of our loved ones depends on our endurance and healthy response. Take care of your health!