Coronavirus Resources for Families
A number of reputable national organizations have developed guidelines for parents, caregivers and teachers for talking with children about the Coronavirus and infectious disease outbreaks.
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus, Child Mind Institute
Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Talking to Children About COVID–19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource, National Association of School Psychologists
When you talk to your children
- Keep explanations developmentally appropriate.
- Remind children they are safe. Remain calm and reassuring.
- Be available to your children and answer questions to the best of your ability. It is okay to not have all the answers. Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most current information.
- Be a good listener. Allow your children to talk about their feelings and concerns. Some children may prefer to express their feelings through writing or artwork.
- Validate feelings and reactions as normal responses to uncertain or upsetting news.
These precautions also have been shared by the CDC, and include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Staying home when you are sick
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash (or coughing/sneezing into your sleeve or elbow)
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces
