Mammy, what’s the Coronavirus?
That’s a question that many of us will have heard from our kids in recent days or weeks. But what is the best way to tackle this questions, and other questions about whether they or their friends or relatives will get sick? Is it best to brush off their fears? Or how can you reassure your children without lying to them, or risking scaring them further?
The Department of Education has now issued guidelines to help parents talk to children about the Coronavirus to allay any fears that they have. The advice says that children need “factual, age appropriate information” about the virus and clear instruction about how to stop it spreading. “Without the facts, they often imagine situations far worse than reality.”
The recommendations, which can be found on the Department’s website, cover children of all ages. The main advice is as follows:
Juniors:
Very young children need “brief, simple information and reassurance that they are safe and that the people they care about are safe,” the guidelines state.
“They may ask: Will I get sick? Will granny/grandad die?
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- Reassure them that the Government is working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy.
- Explain that at the present moment very few people in this country are sick with the virus.
- Tell them that not everyone will get the virus and that the vast majority who get it recover fully.
Big kids:
Bigger children “may need help to separate reality from rumour and fantasy,” according to the Department.
“Either provide or direct them to where they can find accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Having such knowledge can help them feel a sense of control.
“Children and young people look to the adults in their lives to guide them on how to react to worrying and stressful events. If the adults in their lives seem overly worried, their own anxiety may rise.
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- If they are anxious, let them talk about their feelings and guide them in reframing their thoughts and concerns to a more helpful way of thinking.
- Give them extra attention and time, to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
- Remember they do not always talk about their concerns readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes etc.
- It is very typical for younger children to ask a few questions, return to playing and then come back with further questions.
What should I do if they are worried?
The official advice notes that children and young people may be upset by misinformation or rumours that are in circulation.
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- Remember factual information about the virus can help reduce anxiety.
- Avoid constantly monitoring or discussing updates on the status of COVID -19, as this can increase anxiety.
- Try to limit their access to information on the internet/television/social media that might be upsetting to them.
- Remind children/young people that no individual or group is ‘responsible’ for the virus.
- Remind them that they should not make negative comments about others in relation to the virus.
- Challenge any negative comments they make or any stereotyping. Explain what negative comments mean if they are different to your values.
- Encourage children/young people to continue with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don’t push them if they seem upset or overwhelmed.
- Maintain a normal routine as much as possible, keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring.
The Department of Education website also includes downloadable posters which you can use to teach your children about hand washing and hygiene practices that will help to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
