Talking to kids about the COVID19

The coronavirus pandemic that started in December 2019 and forced global closures of schools and businesses. Doctors are beginning to understand the virus and scientists are working hard to make a treatment and vaccine for it, but many questions are still unanswered. For parents, who are themselves worried and confused, explaining the change in routine to their kids might be challenging. Here are some accurate and comprehensible resources that parents and kids can use to learn more about the SARS-CoV2 virus and how it has changed the way we live.

Podcast | Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know – PediaCast 455

Pediacast is a podcast hosted by Dr. Mike who is a pediatrician and creator of this show that’s now been running for over ten years! I started listening to him when I was medical student thirsty for examples of how to best explain medical issues to parents. And still perfecting my craft till this day! In this episode, Dr. Mike lays out the background of the SARS-CoV2 outbreak,what it means for America in the early weeks of March, and why physical distancing is important.

Book | COVD-19 for Kids

Dr. Sheryl Recinos is an author and wrote this children’s book about COVID19 pandemic. Sometimes kids can understand events and relate to emotions from the perspective of a book character better than being able to articulate and sort through their own feelings and experiences. As the book is reread, the content can also be modified to fit the situation of the family in and out of the home. In this time of social distancing and less interpersonal interactions, using the book to consider how families in different circumstances might be feeling can also be a valuable opportunity to teach the kids about empathy. Download the book from her website (scroll down past the photo).

Video | Nemours child psychologist Meghan Walls offers coronavirus coping tips

Delaware Online interviews Nemours psychologist Dr. Meghan Walls in video on how to cope with the coronavirus. Dr. Walls reviews tips on how to talk kids of all ranges about the pandemic and our altered routines. The key takeaways are to validate their concerns, to start by asking what they know about it, and to check in with our kids and each other. She also offers tips on self care for adults to cope and stay well.

Guidebook | Helping Kids Through Uncertain Times

This guidebook from the University of North Carolina lists useful tools to help kids with autism maintain a routine and develop self regulation skills. However, these resources are actually for all children. There are many different visuals that can be printed out to help kids understand the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of proper hand washing technique, and strategies to calm down. Suggestions of digital apps that are both free and available at an affordable price are also included. Check it out here and pick out what works for your family

Tips | Positive Parenting During A Pandemic

It’s a very difficult time to be patient with my kids right now when they misbehave. Work is stressful. Being home with the kids all day long for weeks, not getting a quiet break, is also stressful. All that stress makes it hard to be patient with my kids. Inability to visit friends and family, along with school closures, make it all the more important that I am patient with my kids because I am all they have for their emotional and social needs right now. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these practice tips for parents to keep up positive parenting strategies to help our kids healthy in mind and body and to manage their behaviors.

Learning Resources

Looking for some resources to help kids learn at home? As parents, we cannot replace the experience and education of our children’s esteemed teachers. Here are some of our favorite learning websites, apps, and videos. Check here for some more information on self-care and tending to emotional wellness in ourselves and our kids.

---