Covid-19: How to talk to your children about Covid-19

Parents during the lockdown have a lot on their minds, this might include the daunting task of explaining Covid-19 and the challenges the world is experiencing in layman’s terms to your children.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) South Africa has released tips for parents on how to talk to their children about the virus:

• Be open to talk about it: Your young child is curious and attentive, they probably already heard something. Silence and secrets do not protect our children.
• Honesty and openness: Parents know their children best, think about how much they would understand.
• Your child may ask a few too many questions: Even if they do not ask questions or too young to ask, your child will be curious about the changes in their environment and the world – enlighten them.
• Speak accurately on Covid-19: There has been a lot of information, some of it incorrect. Speak accurately about the risks of Covid-19, based on facts and latest official health advice
• Be willing to listen: Allow your child to talk freely, they might be scared or confused. Ask them an open question to see how much they know. Answer their questions truthfully, discuss the issues in a simple and calm manner.
• It is okay not to know the answers: It also okay to say, ‘we do not know, but we are working on it’ or ‘we do not know, but we think’.
• Heroes, not bullies: Explain to your child that Covid-19 has nothing to do with the way someone looks, where they are from, or what language they speak. Explain to them that they can be compassionate to people who are sick and those who are caring for them. Show them videos and stories of health workers and people try to stop the outbreak.
• End on a good note: Check to see if your child is okay. Remind them that you care and that they can talk to you at any time, then end on a fun note, such as playtime.

Related articles:

Covid-19: Children aren’t allowed to move between parents’ houses during lockdown

Covid-19 Lockdown: Parenting 101 Tip 2 – Parents need to realise the importance of routine (Video)

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
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