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How To Talk To Kids About COVID-19

With COVID (Corona Virus) everywhere on the news, it’s likely that kiddos in your classroom are wondering what’s going on. Uncertainty can make kiddos feel anxious and afraid (just like in us adults).

Be Open and Honest

Being an open source of information that they feel they can confide in is important. Ask how they are feeling, if they are concerned and be a support however possible. Reassure any concerns that they have and be sure to keep in mind explaining them to a way that is developmentally appropriate based on their age.

Here’s a great video from the Child Mind Institute that walks you through how to approach the conversation.

Teach Good Habits

Teach them how to protect themselves and their loved ones by showing them how to wash their hands and why it is important (we just LOVE this approach below that this teacher took with black pepper).

Teach your kiddos how to cough into their elbow, and encourage them to practice healthy habits of eating well and getting enough rest.

View this post on Instagram

Learning about the importance of washing our hands!🧼 I wish you all could’ve seen how truly shocked they were that the “virus,” (pepper) moves away from the soap! So much fun and very informative! The things you learn from #TikTok 😂 #prekactivities #coronaviruspreventiontips #dabbooratnani

A post shared by Amanda Lorenzo (@mandysmunchkins_) on Mar 10, 2020 at 1:14pm PDT

Don’t Spread Misinformation or Anxiety

With all of the COVID chatter, it’s easy to repeat something you heard. Be conscious of sticking to the facts vs. the rumors. Also be sure to not pass along your own anxiety. If you’re feeling a bit emotional or reactive to something you heard or how you’re feeling, take a deep breath.

If you’re feeling anxious about Coronavirus, here’s an amazing toolkit that has resources for any anxiety you’re feeling: https://www.virusanxiety.com/

Other Amazing Resources

NPR put together this comic (which includes an audio clip) which explains the Coronavirus.
New York Times has also put together this amazing guide on how to approach coronavirus conversations with kiddos.

Melissa is the VP of Marketing at HiMama with a passion for education and building businesses that create a strong social impact. A proud working mama, she enjoys spending her weekends cooking up a storm or going on a road trip with her daughter, husband and dog.

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