04/26/2020
UNICEF ,
March 12, 2020.
How to talk to your child about coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19)
8 tips to help console and protect children.
A child talks with a parent ,It is easy to feel overwhelmed by what you currently hear about Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19), and it is also understandable that your children feel anxious as well, as it may be difficult for children to understand what they see on the Internet or TV - or what they hear from people - so They are especially vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. But opening an open and supportive dialogue with your children can help them understand and deal with what is going on, and even make a positive contribution to others.
1- Ask open questions and listen start by inviting your child to talk about the issue, find out what he knows, then start what the child knows and what he wants to know. And if the child is young and has not heard about the spread of the disease, you may not have to approach it - just take advantage of the opportunity to remind him of good hygiene practices without causing new fear.
Make sure you are in a safe environment and allow your child to speak freely. Being involved in drawing, storytelling and other activities may be helpful in opening a discussion.
The most important thing is not to underestimate the child's concerns or avoid talking about them. Be sure to acknowledge his feelings and reassure him that it is normal for him to fear in these matters. Show the child that you are listening to him by focusing your attention on what he is saying, and check that he understands that he can talk to you and the school teacher whenever he wants.
2- Be honest: explain the real situation in a child-friendly manner
Children have the right to receive correct information about what is going on in the world, but it is the responsibility of adults to keep them safe from distress. Language appropriate to the child’s age should be used, monitor his reaction and take into account the level of anxiety he is experiencing.If you
cannot answer the child questions, do not guess, but take the opportunity to find answers in cooperation with your child. The websites of international organizations such as UNICEF and WHO are excellent sources of information. Explain to your child that some of the information posted on the Internet is inaccurate, and that it is best to put our trust in the experts.
3- Explain to your child how to protect himself and his friends
One of the best ways to keep children safe from infection with the Coronavirus and other diseases is simply to encourage them to wash their hands frequently. The conversation should not be intimidating. You can accompany singing with the songs of the children's program "The Wiggles" or perform this dance to make learning fun.You can also explain to the child how to contain a cough or sneeze by bending his elbow and covering his face with his arm , and explain that it is best not to approach many people who have these symptoms, and ask him to inform you if he feels fever or starts coughing or feels difficulty breathing.
4- Provide reassurances
When we see a lot of annoying pictures on TV or the Internet, we may feel that the crisis surrounds us from all sides. It is possible that children do not distinguish between the pictures on the screen and their living reality, and they may think they face an imminent danger. You can help your child cope with stress by providing opportunities for him to play and relax, when possible. Maintain a regular routine and schedule of activities as much as possible, especially before bedtime, or help establish a new routine in the new environment.
If there is a spread of the disease in your area, remind your children that they are not likely to catch the disease, that most people who contract Coronavirus do not have a severe disease, and that many adults work diligently to keep your family safe.
If your child feels ill, explain to him that he should stay at home / hospital because this is safe for him and his friends. And reassure him that you realize that it is difficult (or frightening or even boring) sometimes, but that adherence to the rules will help to keep everyone safe.
5- Check if your child has stigma or spread it
Coronavirus spread with the spread of numerous reports of racial discrimination around the world, so it is important to ensure that your child does not suffer from bullying and does not contribute to it
Explain to your child that the corona virus is never related to the appearance of the person, the place it comes from, or the language it speaks. If he encounters annoying nicknames or bullying at school, he should not hesitate to inform a trusted adult.Remind your child that everyone has the right to feel safe in school, that bullying is bad in all circumstances that we all have to spread kindness and support each other.
6- Point out those who help ,it is important for children to know that people help each other through kindness and generosity.Share the stories of health professionals, scientists, youth and others who work to stop the spread of the disease and keep the community safe. It may be an important reassuring factor for the child to know that sympathetic people are making efforts in this area.
7- Take care of yourself
You will be able to help your children better if you also are dealing with the situation appropriately. Children will be affected by your reactions to the news, so it is helpful for them to know that you are calm and keep you calm.If you feel anxious or upset, set aside time to take care of yourself and communicate with other relatives, friends and individuals you trust from your local community. Set aside time for activities that help you relax and regain your composure.
8- End the dialogue in a friendly and sympathetic manner
It is important to know that we do not leave children in distress. As the conversation nears its end, try to identify the level of anxiety a child feels by observing body language, determining whether he is using the usual tone of voice, and observing his breathing.
Remind your children that they can talk to you about this at any time, and remind them that you care and listen to them and that you are available to talk whenever they feel anxious.
