Welcome back to Term 3. I hope you had the opportunity to relax and recharge despite the restrictions imposed due to COVID. Given these recent changes I thought it would be timely to share the following information from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) about how to talk to your child/ren about coronavirus:
Tips for talking with children about the coronavirus
Children will inevitably pick up on the concerns and anxiety of others, whether this be through listening and observing what is happening at home or at school. It is important that they can speak to you about their own concerns.
Answer their questions
Do not be afraid to talk about the coronavirus with children. Given the extensive media coverage, the increasing number of people wearing face masks in public, and the significant restrictions in place, children will be aware of the virus. Providing opportunities to answer their questions in an honest, factual and age-appropriate way can help reduce any anxiety they may be experiencing. You can do this by:
· Speaking to them about coronavirus in a calm manner
· Asking them what they already know about the virus so you can clarify any misunderstandings they may have
· Asking them if they have any questions about the virus, how it is being managed and/or its impact on their family and friends. Listening to their answers will assist you to know how you can best support them. They may need some basic facts (only provide enough information to answer their specific questions), reassurance about what is being done to manage the virus, they/you may need to limit their exposure to the media or they may benefit from some stress management strategies to help manage their feelings.
· Letting them know that it is normal to experience some anxiety when new and stressful situations arise
· Giving them a sense of control by explaining what they can do to stay safe (e.g., wash their hands regularly, stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing)
· Not overwhelming them with unnecessary information (e.g. death rates) as this can increase their anxiety
· Reassure them that coronavirus is less common and severe in children compared to adults
· Allowing regular contact (e.g., by phone) with people they may worry about, such as grandparents, to reassure them that they are okay.
Talk about how they are feeling
Explain to your child that it is normal to feel worried about getting sick. Listen to your child’s concerns and reassure them that you are there to help them with whatever may arise in the future. It is important to model calmness when discussing the coronavirus with children and not alarm them with any concerns you may have about it. Children will look to you for cues on how to manage their own worries, so it is important to stay calm and manage your own anxieties before bringing up the subject with them and answering their questions.
Limit media exposure
It is important to monitor children’s exposure to media reports about the coronavirus as frequent exposure can increase their level of fear and anxiety. Try to be with your child when they are watching, listening or reading the news so you can address any questions or concerns they may have.
Belinda Robinson – School Counsellor/Registered Psychologist
