Tips for Talking to Children About COVID-19

These handouts are from February 2020 and have some great tips for parents and guardians about how to talk to children about COVID-19 in healthy and developmentally appropriate ways. Here are some of the main points:

• Stay calm and reassure your child that steps are being taken to keep everyone safe. What adults say and do can either increase or decrease a child's anxiety.
• Make youself available to you child to talk about how they are feeling, concerns they may have, and just spending quality time with them.
• Avoid blaming and stereotyping. 
• Monitor TV and social media use. Some information can be developmentally inappropriate for young children and could cause anxiety and confusion. Additionally, some information on the internet could be false or misleading. 
• Maintain a normal routine and schedule as much as possible. While this will be very difficult at times, just try your best and remember that we all have rough days. Encourage children to stay on top of schoolwork, but remember to take a break when needed and get enough rest by going to bed on time.
• For all of the tips and talking points, click the links below.

Talking to Children About COVID-19

Hable con sus hijos sobre el COVID-19

Social Stories

Social stories are a great way to help teach children about various situations and topics that they may be confused about. These social stories help teach children about a variety of things related to COVID-19, such as why we are doing remote learning, why we wear masks and social distance, how to video chat with out teachers and classmates, and how we can greet people while still following safety protocols.

Learning at Home

Wearing a Mask at School

Returning to School

Greetings During COVID-19

Masks, Face Shields, and Gloves Oh My!

How to Video Chat

Historias sociales en Español

Que es el distanciamiento social?

Usando Una Mascara en la Escuela

Mascaras, Protectores Faciales, y Guantes

Como Realizar Videocharlas con Otras Personas

Mi Escuela Permanecera Cerrada

Usar Una Mascara

Aprendizaje a Distancia - Que Es?

Expectativas Durante el Aprendizaje en Linea

Parent and Guardian Support

Managing COVID-19 Anxiety as a Parent/Caregiver - Thriveworks

Tips for Talking to Children About COVID-19 - CDC

Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19

 Dealing with Anxiety During COVID-19 - Thriveworks

Managing Stress and Anxiety - CDC

Videos

Time to Come in Bear

Time to Come in Bear - Spanish