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Your children might have come across this word quite often by now, Coronavirus. The sources can be many, from news channels to kids at school. Also, many schools have taken the initiative to make kids aware of this outbreak and the precautions that can be taken.
Some of the basic instructions include the use of hand sanitizers and not shaking hands and coming in contact with others.
Many parents are concerned as to how to discuss this outbreak with their kids. You need to be aware of where exactly to start from and filter the information that is put forward on how to prevent Coronavirus infection?
Here are some of the tips that one must follow while you talk to your kids about this outbreak:
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Discuss
Most of the kids already have some or the other information about the virus spread. They might have heard and seen people wearing N95 face masks and even using hand sanitizers. If you are avoiding to start a discussion on the same, this is going to add curiosity among kids and even make them worried.
Find ways to start the conversation. You have to play a simple role, just to convey the facts to your kids in the easiest possible manner. After all, you want your kids to be safe. Educate them well and make sure they are following your advice.
2. Don’t put forward age-inappropriate Information
It is very important that one must keep in mind while discussing the Coronavirus with the kids. You do not have to overburden the kids with the information that they will not understand in the first place.
When you are talking to your kids about the virus, you can use instances like the virus that can hurt you if it enters your tummy. Or, you can add details for you if he is grown up like people are making an effort to fight with this, but they need our help.
Or, you can add other reassuring sentences, that scientists are trying to find out ways to fight the Coronavirus. You can ask them to use virus-proof hand sanitizers and tell them it kills the germs.
3. Take Hints from What your Child Already Knows
It has been advised that you start the conversation by asking your kids about the virus. Know if they have heard that people all over the world are dying. Ask them if they know the use of facemasks and hand sanitizers.
There are chances that your kids have been given all the necessary information at their school. Ask them what they already know and continue from where they leave. Keep in mind, only the necessary information.
4. Deal with Your Anxiety First
When you are feeling anxious about the subject, make sure that you do not start any conversation. You might have encountered an increase in the number of patients, or somebody in your known having being detected of Coronavirus. This is not the time to start a discussion with your kids.
This will create panic, and your kids will feel insecure. Start the conversation when you are in a healthy state of mind; this will make them feel safer and digest the information better.
5. Put Forward an Assuring Attitude
Kids catch information around them very easily. And when they come to know about coronavirus spread, they will feel afraid and insecure in their own home. This increases the responsibility of the parents to reassure them that they are safe.
Other than buying face masks and hand sanitizers for them, you should also spare time to talk to them about the issue in detail.
Make them aware of the safety measures they can take. Also, tell them what all adults are doing to make things normal. This will create a positive attitude among kids.
But, you should also make sure that your kids are not taking things lightly and following all the safety measures, including wearing N95 masks.
6. Focus on Safety of Family as a Whole
Also, you should let kids know what you are doing to make sure that your family is safe. Your kids will copy your actions. Do what you want your kids to do. Teach them to cover their mouth while sneezing.
Kids feel empowered when they know how to keep them safe. We all know Coronavirus is spreading with close contact with those who are already sick. Tell them to avoid meeting new people.
Covering their faces while coughing is another way they can prevent the spread.
7. Set a Hygienic Routine
You all might have heard people saying hygiene is the key to prevent. In fact, it is. Your kids might feel like vacation time and not participate in anything. Set up a routine for them, including keeping them clean and tidy.
Also, teach them the happy birthday method for washing their hands before and after eating, after coughing, and even after touching something that should not be touched.
Avoid eating from outside, and do not allow your kids to consume anything that has the chance of being infected.
8. Frame School Closure as Positive
Schools have already declared a break because of the coronavirus spread. Now that your kids are staying with you all the time, it is your responsibility to keep them engaged. Try and make a list of activities that they can do when at home.
Make a routine to get up on time, exercise daily, draw, paint, create their journal, and you better know what your kids are good at. Avoid TV time and give them some books to read.
Now that you are home with your kids enjoy the time together. Teach them something new and allow them to explore new things on their own. But, keep in mind that your kids should feel safe amidst all the adverse circumstances.
