While daily life is getting disrupted because of the coronavirus, routine-craving children are going to be wondering what’s going on. Approaching this topic is neither quick nor simple. We’ve rounded up a few resources to help you choose the best way for you to talk to your children about the topic of Coronavirus.
The Center for Disease Control
Hear it straight from the officials. Their site offers general principles for talking to children, facts about COVID-19 for discussions with children, and additional resources they trust.
The Child Mind Institute
A non-profit dedicated to the mental health of children, The Child Mind Institute has a clear guide for you to approach how to discuss Coronavirus with your kids:
Don’t be afraid to discuss the coronavirus.
Be developmentally appropriate.
Take your cues from your child
Deal with your own anxiety.
Be reassuring.
Focus on what you’re doing to stay safe.
Stick to routine.
Keep talking.
Comic from NPR
In collaboration with Tara Powell at the University of Illinois School of Social Work, Joy Osofsky at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Krystal Lewis at the National Institute of Mental Health, NPR has put together a dynamic comic that outlines what the virus is and what we can do about it. This is a light-hearted way to digest information, in both digital and printed zine format!
PBS Videos on Related Topics
PBS has put together a collection of videos from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Sesame Street, Curious George, and Super Why! that cover everything from how germs work, to washing hands, to being sick. All your favorite characters breaking down the basics we all need to know in a loving and calming tone.
Children’s Books for Talking About Surgery, Sickness, and Feelings
The University of Michigan has put together this collection of kid-friendly books that address the tough questions that come with things that happen to our bodies. While this list goes beyond the coronavirus, it’s a great one to keep on hand for other health concerns in the future.
