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Lead by example -

Children will look up to you and observe everything you say and do. You can influence how anxious your children will feel with the situation.

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Stay calm -

Children will pay attention to both your verbal and non-verbal communication, so what you do is as important as what you say.

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Cope with your feelings fist -

It’s normal to feel anxious about this situation, but it’s important that you don’t let your children perceive your anxiety. So, tackle your anxiety first so that you can support your kids.

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Listen -

Listen to your child’s concerns and talk about any feelings they might have about the current situation, including fear and anxiety.

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Be reassuring -

Tell your children that you are there for them and that everything is okay. Stress that everyone is safe.

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Ask questions -

Ask them what they know, what they think, and how they feel about COVID-19.

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Validate their concerns -

Don’t dismiss your children’s concerns and emotions about the situation. It’s important that they feel that sharing is a positive thing and that you understand what they’re going through.

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Reframe -

By actively being aware of how they feel, you can help reframe their concerns to a different perspective.

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Make yourself available -

Your kids might need extra attention at this moment. They might feel more vulnerable and it’s important for them to know that you’re available to them.

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Be caring -

Tell them and show them that you love them. You kids will appreciate the extra affection.

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Do not blame -

Your kids might hear other adults blame a specific country or group of people for the virus. Reassure them that this is not the case.

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Don’t ignite hate -

Blaming and stereotyping is not healthy for your children. They need to feel safe and loved, not angry and frustrated.

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Monitor what they watch on TV -

Avoid watching potentially upsetting content on TV when your kids are present. The news can be terrifying sometimes.

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Avoid constant updates on TV -

This can increase anxiety levels—both yours and your children’s. Stay informed, but don’t necessarily spend all day watching the news.

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Monitor Internet use -

It’s important to monitor what your children are exposed to on the Internet. Social media, in particular, can do more harm than good at this point.

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Explain fake news -

Speak to your kids about fake news and rumors that spread on the Internet about coronavirus that are not based on correct information.

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Instant messaging rumors -

From videos to voice messages, if your child has a smartphone and uses instant messaging services (e.g. WhatsApp and Messenger), then they’re likely exposed to upsetting, and often fake, information. Advise them not to open any files.

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Factual information -

Talk to your child about COVID-19. Be honest and explain the facts. Be open to questions, and ask them to revert to you if they have any further concerns.

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Keep explanations age appropriate -

This will range from “adults are doing everything to keep you safe” to a more thorough explanation about the virus.

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Separate imagination from reality -

Children might have trouble separating fact and fiction. They will imagine scenarios in their heads, so it’s important to be aware of this and help them distinguish what's real and what's not.

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Distract them from distressing information -

Distract your children from the current situation. This can be particularly challenging if you’re stuck at home, but it’s doable.

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Maintain your routine -

Try to maintain the same routine as much as possible, with meal times and the times your children go to bed and wake up. It will feel more familiar, and be comforting for them.

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Encourage good hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices -

This is a good time for your children to adopt good practices such as washing their hands often and thoroughly, or using a tissue when they sneeze or cough.

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Make handwashing fun for the younger ones -

Try this game: draw a little monster on the back of their hands and their goal is to wash it away by the end of the day. If the monster is gone by bedtime, they earn a point. If they get 20 points (20 days), they win a prize!

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Healthy and preventative habits -

By learning factual information on how to prevent the spread of the virus, they will feel more in control, which will help to reduce their anxiety.

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This is also a good time to encourage your kids to have a healthy lifestyle -

Stress the importance of eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising for a strong immune system.

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Are you stuck at home? -

Check out these 30 ideas to entertain kids at home.

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