The spread of the coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on many adults as they intake new information every day about the threat while trying to plan and prepare.
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Children are not immune to the possibility of feeling anxiety through this pandemic, said Dr. Gene Beresin, Executive Director of the Clay Center for Young Health Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Governor Mike DeWine announced Thursday that all Ohio schools will be closed until April 3. Children likely have questions and concerns about why they are being affected.
Dr. Beresin advises how parents should talk with their children as it relates to anxiety to the coronavirus outbreak.
There are three things kids of all ages want to know during circumstances like this, according to Dr. Beresin.
- "Am I safe?"
- "Are the people taking care of me safe?"
- "How is this going to affect my daily life?"
“We don’t want our kids to anxious because it disrupts their sleep, disrupts eating, their normal behavior, their ability to do their work and play,” Dr. Beresin said. “It can grow and escalate, so we want to keep it down.”
Children tend to have milder cases of the virus, Dr. Beresin said.
Parents should remind their children that it would likely feel like a head cold. He said that reassuring children is very important.
Dr. Beresin advises that the best way to address concerns are to ask open-ended questions such as:
- "How do you know about coronavirus?"
- "How do you know about it?"
- "How are you feeling?"
- "Are there any questions you would like to ask me?"
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“Don’t assume that we know what they’re thinking,” said Dr. Beresin. “We can’t address their concerns unless we know.”
Parents who have children of preschool age do not need to explain too much about the threat and it is recommended to turn off digital media and TV coverage of coronavirus.
Maintain routines and schedules of children ages seven to 12.
“Keep business as usual and turn the media off,” said Dr. Beresin.
Adolescence and young adults can understand more, so it’s helpful to watch news programs and read articles with them about coronavirus.
It’s important to get rest, exercise and do activities that can help you relax such as yoga, reading and listening to music.
“If you are anxious and your kids notice that and as you about it, be honest with them because they need to know the truth,” said Dr. Beresin.
Parents should tell their children how they feel and assure them they have ways to stay calm through the situation.
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