Very few of us can say that COVID-19 has not temporarily changed the course of our daily lives. As adults it’s all about finding resources and adjusting. We watch the news and read articles online and consult our family physicians. For kids though, it’s a little different. The news can be overwhelming for kids, so they rely on us for age appropriate explanations. But, how do you talk to kids about what’s going on? Luckily, we found that the CDC has a few ideas!
- Ask them what they want to know. Be prepared to answer at least these three questions: “What is COVID-19?”, “What happens if you get sick with COVID-19?” and “What can I do so that I don’t get COVID-19?”
- Be honest but reassuring. It isn’t just about what you say, but how you say it. Give an explanation that is concise and uses age appropriate language. Make sure not to stigmatize any part of explanations about where the illness came from.
- Teach them the specific ways to protect themselves. Give examples about thorough hand washing, using sanitizers, staying home as advised, and sneezing into elbows and tissues, not hands.
For more detailed information on the CDC’s tips for talking to kids about COVID-19 click here. If you or your kids aren’t feeling well, remember our urgent care centers are open 8:00am to 8:00pm every day of the week- no appointment necessary! You can Save Your Spot online for an in-center visit here, or book a telemedicine visit here. If you need us, we look forward to helping you and your family Get Better. Faster.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html
