What unprecedented times we are living in. And our sweet kids know something is up. Sharing the truth of what’s going on will ease tension and the overall anxiety in the home. With kids, openness always wins! They deserve to be informed.
Understanding what a kid can handle is important to consider. Use your discretion depending on your child’s age. However, I believe that oftentimes we think kids are too young to understand things when in fact they’re not. There’s something beautiful that happens when kids get true answers to their questions, it’s settling for them and also for the rest of the family.
Here are 3 simple things to keep in mind when sharing with your kids about COVID-19:
Kids want straight talk. So, be honest - kids are incredibly perceptive beings who probably have known something was going on even before you did. There have been countless times where straight talk with our kids has quickly diffused a heated situation. Also, being honest with how you feel about this pandemic (in kid-sensitive language) will do wonders for your child.
Keep it simple - don’t beat around the bush or use complex language. It is super helpful for your kids to learn the new terms surrounding COVID-19 like: social distancing, social isolation, pandemic, virus, COVID-19, coronavirus, etc. Avoid any abstract concepts with the young kids.
Affirm what your child is feeling and leave room for questions. Don’t be afraid to let your kids know you are feeling anxious and that you don’t have all the answers. This honesty will validate their feelings and keep the doors open for further conversation.
If you have any other tips for talking to your kids about COVID-19, we’d love to hear them!
Peace,
Megan