With the extensive news and live coverage about the deadly virus, children somehow have developed fears and risks about their own health and safety. The complete lockdown of schools, colleges, grocery stores, and tuitions classes has created panic and anxiety in their little hearts. The children might have a variety of questions about it and experts suggest that parents should clearly talk to their kids about the pandemic. So I feel the following tips may help you talk to teens regarding the outbreak.
1. Provide enough information about the coronavirus
Children often have their own imaginations and they may create unnecessary stories in their minds. Try to talk to them without creating a feeling of anxiety or panic. Do not exaggerate the topic and avoid providing too much information as it may create extra alarm. So the simpler way is to tell your kids about the symptoms of the virus. Teach them to take necessary precautions like washing hands regularly, sanitizing them, wearing masks and follow social distancing protocol.
Tell them to do what they love and not let the worries of the virus be around you. Let them know that practicing good hygiene and healthy behaviors will help them keep the virus away.
2. Create calmness about cox`ronavirus
Although every one of us in the country is concerned about the pandemic it is important to create a calm environment in your place. Children are very delicate and will look at you and see how afraid you are. Try to be positive in front of them and inform them about the recovered cases. Just like a flight attendant treats you with a smile and calms you down with a chilled beverage, tell your kids that this will pass soon and create a feeling of calmness in them.
3. Limit their exposure to news and social media
Getting timely updates might be helpful but it may hamper children’s state of mind. Continuous surge in cases may be scary and the wordings used in news channels these days create a lot of panics. Limit news viewing on the television in front of them or listen to the updates when they are not around to hear the stories.
4. Keep an eye for reassurance
Children are naturally anxious to ask questions about something that is new to them. But children’s anxiety sometimes lets them ask questions, again and again, prompting reassurance. They do not get distressed no matter how many times we answer their questions. Keep an eye if you notice such behavior of repeated reassurance seeking. The main thing is to have open communication in the family. Talk to them about their fears and concerns and clear the facts accordingly.
Remember that the whole world is struggling hard to fight the virus but doesn’t let the fears make your kids anxious. Remind them to take quality sleep, exercise and eat healthily to strengthen their bodies. Assure them that they can be real germ busters by washing hands and keeping good habits.
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