1. Be honest, help your children understand the truth in a child-friendly way. Children have a right to know the truth about what is happening around them and in the world but adults should keep them safe from distress. When explaining to them, use age-appropriate language, be sensitive to their anxiety level, and watch their reactions. Don’t guess if you can’t answer their questions. Instead, explore the answers together. International organisations’ website like the World Health Organisation and UNICEF are great information sources. Help them understand that it’s best to trust reliable sources and the experts and that there is some information online that isn’t accurate.
2. Help them learn how to protect themselves. Encourage regular handwashing. This is one of the best ways to keep children safe from coronavirus. Also, you can show them how to cover a sneeze or a cough with their elbow. Explain that they shouldn’t get too close to people who have those symptoms. Encourage them to let you know if ever they start feeling like they have a cough, fever or difficulty in breathing.
3. Take care of yourself. One of the best ways to help your children better is through coping. It helps kids know you’re calm and in control through your own response to the news. If you feel upset or anxious, take time for yourself or reach out to another family member or friends. Also, make some time to do relaxing things.