3 Strategies for Talking to Children About COVID-19
Many parents might be worried about whether or how to talk to their children about COVID-19. One thing to keep in mind is that all children, even toddlers, are being exposed to COVID-19, either by adults around them, or through social media or the TV. So one thing to keep in mind is that children often report that the news is really scary, especially if they don’t understand something that they’ve seen on the news.
3 Strategies for Talking to Kids about Difficult News Topics
1.) Limit Access to News
The first is to limit access to the news for children across the board. It’s also good limit your own access to the news. Maybe you get an update once a day or twice a day. The less time that you spend watching the news, the less anxious you will be.
2.) View News Together and Answer Questions
Another strategy is to watch the news or read news article with your children together. This way if they have questions, you can address any of their questions as you’re watching the segment.
3.) Let Yourself Process News Updates First
The third strategy is, as the adult, to get the update from the news first. Use some good coping strategies for yourself to calm down, and then when you are feeling calm enough, then share the update with your child. This way they are learning it in a calm, soothing way, which will minimize their anxiety.
See latest updates around COVID-19 from CHI Health.
For additional questions, reach out to a CHI Health Behavioral Health provider.
Michelle Roley-Roberts, PhD is a Mental Health provider at CHI Health.
