Talking to Your Children About the Coronavirus

In recent months, a new type of coronavirus named COVID-19 has been causing outbreaks of respiratory disease. The risk for getting this virus has been increasing as it spreads rapidly throughout the world, including the United States.

Although the symptoms in children are mild, it is still important to speak to the young kids about the coronavirus. By providing accurate information about the disease to their families, parents can help to reduce the risk of illness. 

Here are a few tips on how to talk to your child about this highly contagious virus:

Don’t wait to talk. To treat the coronavirus seriously, getting ahead of the curve is essential. If your child has social media, they may be receiving exaggerated or misleading information, so now is the time to make sure that they are well-informed. 

Keep conversations positive. Filtering out the junk on news channels and social media platforms is important. Be sure to tell your children reassuring and important facts rather than overloading them with every new headline. For example, instead of telling your children that there are no vaccines available, tell them that researchers are actively working on a cure.

Be a good role model. Follow the CDC's guidelines found here, and make clear to your children that they can fight the virus themselves by practicing handwashing and social distancing.

Author
Christopher Climaco, M.D. Pediatrician and Pediatric Cardiologist practicing in Cookeville, Tennessee, USA

You Might Also Enjoy...

Sleep Hygiene for Kids

Sleep is just an important to your child’s health as nutrition and exercise. The amount and quality of sleep that kids get can affect their moods, behavior, and learning abilities. Establishing good sleep practices early is so important.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in the US and the whole world, we are seeing more and more adults getting the COVID vaccine. We also need to have children vaccinated so that we can resume our normal lives.

Headaches in Children

Headaches in children are common. Lifestyle modifications can help to avoid the most common triggers for headaches. Parents should also be familiar with the rescue and preventive measures, such as medications.

Summertime Safety Tips

As the weather is warming up and we are spending more time outdoors there are some things we can do to make sure that our kids are enjoying summertime safely.

Toddler Nutrition

Toddlers are notorious for throwing their parents for a loop by all of a sudden becoming very picky eaters and having a sharp drop in appetite. Parents often worry their child isn't eating enough. Here we will uncover the reason for this abrupt change.