How to Educate Your Child about COVID-19

16/07/2020

Over the last few months, all of us have been through a rapidly changing lifestyle with isolation, loss of daily routine, and extreme uncertainly. These situations can very easily lead to loneliness, depression, fear, and anxiety. Misinformation, information overload, and rumours can raise several questions in our mind. When we, the adults, feel this way, our little ones may feel the same. It can be challenging to talk to them about what is going on around us.

With the ongoing pandemic becoming a topic of daily conversations, many parents may be unsure about supporting the developmental needs of their children in these tough times. Honest and accurate discussions can help them understand what coronavirus is and how to deal with it. Mentioned below are some simple strategies to educate your child about COVID-19.

Getting Started:

Before you start discussing this topic with your child, gather adequate facts and recommendations from reputable sources. Once you are prepared, chose a time when your child is likely to be interested in such as discussion, such as at dinner. First, find out what they already know about the pandemic and if they have any questions. These questions can provide you a guideline for the path of the discussion.

Please make sure you listen to all their questions attentively and answer them in a way that is understandable to them. Tell them that there are loads of false information and rumours and how they can find reliable information through certain websites. Also, talk with your kids about the precautions they should take to stay safe from the virus. Encourage them to come up with new questions and express their feelings.

Points to Discuss:

Be sure to share all relevant facts that are appropriate for your child.

  • Tell your child that COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus and people suffering from this condition may have fever, cough, and trouble taking deep breaths.
  • Explain how the virus spreads and stress on the importance of washing hands frequently. Also, tell them to avoid touching their nose, mouth, and eyes and maintain a distance of six feet or more from people with symptoms such as coughs or sneezes.
  • Relieve your child by saying that experts all over the world are working day and night to bring an end to this crisis.

Don’t forget to discuss the following safety measures.

  • Encourage proper and frequent hand-washing before meals, when coming home, and after coughing or sneezing.
  • Demonstrate effective hand washing techniques.
  • Encourage your child to spend as much time as possible at home.
  • Teach them to practice social distancing by avoiding close contact with outsiders, even if they are not affected.

Mentioned below are a few more things that you can do to help our kid cope with the present situation.

  • Stay calm in front of your children
  • Create and maintain a routine for the family
  • Spend enough time with your children to help them avoid boredom
  • Let your child enjoy virtual socialising by connecting with family members and friends via phone and mobile apps.

If you have any doubts about how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect your child and how to deal with this challenge, please feel free to contact us. At WillowBee, we are dedicated to bringing out the best in your child.