How to talk to your Child or Teen about COVID-19
 
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March 2020  
Talking to Kids and Teens about COVID-19

Talking to Kids and Teens about COVID-19
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Even if your child is not following the Covid-19 virus news carefully, it is almost certain that they are absorbing pieces of information and the stress from others.  Rather than leave this education up to media and friends, families have an opportunity to provide clear information and support children and teens in coping with understandable anxieties.

Tips for Supporting Elementary Aged Children 

Talk to your child.  Explain what you know 
to be true, while reassuring them that you 
are doing everything you can to keep them
safe and healthy.

Limit media coverage

Ask questions, and ask your child to explain
what they believe is going on.  They may have theories or perceptions that need
to be clarified or addressed.

Try to continue home routines, especially
at bedtime.  If school continues to be
impacted after spring break, and/or
vacation plans have changed, explain that
these are the decisions that adults have
made to keep all of us healthy.  It does not
mean that all the people around them are sick.


Children this age are concerned about their own health, and those around them.  They may be worried about grandparents or older neighbours and need clarification around the facts.

Children will probably experience varying levels of anxiety that can present as flight (avoidance, hiding, withdrawl), fight (anger, irritability), or freeze (zoning out, distracted) and it is important to acknowledge these behaviours as coping strategies and be patient (even while our own anxieties may be heightened).

If fear persists, point out all the things that adults are doing to prevent the virus from spreading.  Children like to be helpful, so teaching them how to wash hands well or do other tasks can help them cope.

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Tips for Supporting Middle School Aged Children 

Talk to your middle school children and answer any questions.  This will help you determine how much they know and may help you correct any misinformation.

Talk to your youth about what they see and read on media and discus which sources are reliable and which aren't.  Support your child in identifying positive media stories that focus on recovery and resiliency.

It is important to acknowledge that events like this can lead to stereotyping and discrimination.  It is important to discuss and confront these perceptions.

Middle school aged students will be more interested in the future.  Be sure to stick to the facts and not burden them with your own fears.

Middle School aged students are becoming more and more peer referenced.  Ask them how their friends are feeling - this may give insight into their own worries. 

Help guide your child's worry into things they can do - like learning how to prevent the spread of the virus, and how to reach out (non physically) to people who may be feeling more isolated, like grandparents.

As with elementary children, your youth will probably experience varying levels of anxiety that can present as flight (avoidance, hiding, withdrawl), fight (anger, irritability), or freeze (zoning out, distracted) and it is important to acknowledge these behaviours as coping strategies and be patient (even while our own anxieties may be heightened).

Connect your child to one of the following resources to provide age appropriate information:
"Understanding Corona Virus and How Germs Spread":  Brains On Podcast (plus a kid-centered series on news literacy called "prove it".
"Just for Kids:  A comic exploring the new coronavirus":  Minnesota Public Radio

Tips for Supporting High School Aged Youth 

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Questions about health, the economy, and public policy are all legitimate issues for this age group.  It is important to discuss these topics with them if they are interested.

Acknowledge any worry, anxiety or fear they have and remind them that these feelings are normal.

Help guide your teen's worry into things they can do - learn how to prevent the spread of the virus including washing hands, getting lots of sleep, and/or making concrete plans if work and school is disrupted.

Some teens may want to block out the whole thing.  It may appear that they do not care, but this might be blocking real worries.  Ask questions and be ready to listen.

Talk through the difference between going online to get informed versus media over-use that can fuel anxiety.  Discuss the benefit of media breaks.  

Strategies for Potential Quarantine

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 Begin on the same page:
Discuss as a family what may be challenges, and discuss concerns, expectations and roles.  Create the plan together.
Be Truthful:
Listen to your chidren's fears, and speak truthfully about the situation in an age-appropriate manner.
Set up Structure:
It will be important to maintain a routine that allows for safe variety in the day.  
Resources
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