Talking to Kids About The Coronavirus Pandemic

Whether you have middle school and high school aged kids, like we do, or younger school -aged children; talking to kids about a pandemic is not something you probably have much experience with. I know we don’t. If you are anything like us, you are navigating the un-chartered territory of questions about the coronavirus.  If you are not talking to your kids about the pandemic we find ourselves in the middle of, and your children are school age, you can be certain they are hearing things at school.

As adults, there are concerns over the impact on our jobs, businesses, economy, the availability of resources, the health of older relatives and friends and how we will fill extended time with our kids at home.  It is so critical to remember though, that our kids are constantly watching us.  They are going to be struggling with their own concerns, apprehension and for some a lack of ability to fully process what they hear and see.  Just having their school routine interrupted can cause them to experience feelings they may not understand or be able to verbalize. 

When we share our stress and concern with others, including our kids, it fuels their stress and concern.

While the people in our kid’s lives, like teachers, friends and friends’ parents, often have the best intentions; if they are feeling a heightened concern over the coronavirus, that heightened concern could fuel the concern our kids feel.

The following are things to keep in mind as you navigate coronavirus with your kids:

1. Be the first & primary source of information for your kids. 

Have upfront conversations that they can talk to you about ANYTHING and remind them that misinformation is often shared.  They can bring questions or concerns to YOU.  AND…give them information FIRST. 

We build credibility and trust with our kids when we give them fact-based information FIRST.

In fact, in our house, we actually use the language; ‘We will always do our best to give you information that we think you need to know, before you need to know it’.  We include a disclaimer that what we share with them is not to be shared with anyone else.  Their friends’ parents will share what they believe needs to be shared. (For the record, this is how we begin conversations about sex, dating, school shootings, natural disasters, etc.)  Over time, this has built a strong foundation of credibility and trust.

We are having conversations and giving our kids facts regarding coronavirus.  Feeling informed with fact-based information, helps them feel empowered and can lesson anxiety and fear.

2. Minimize and monitor their access to ‘information.’ 

There is nothing beneficial about them being glued to the constant cycle of news updates or scrolling through the barrage of posts on social media.  In fact, the opposite is actually true, both for our kids and for us as adults.  In order for us to fuel a sense of peace and calmness in our kids, we have to do our best to be peaceful and calm. 

This means, we turn news media off except when we intentionally are seeking updates. 

According to a recent article by Psychology Today, research is finding that the bombardment of traumatic materials in the media can lead observers to experience anxiety, difficulties in coping, immense fear and feelings of helplessness, and in some cases even PTSD. 

We are even minimizing our use and our kids exposure to the word ‘pandemic’.  The word alone causes uncertainty and fear.  It does not benefit anyone in our house to hear that word.  It is a virus and not the first one our family has responded too.  We wash, minimize exposure to germs, increase our vitamin intake and make sure we rest and eat healthy when the flu virus runs rampant.   

3.  Include a positive perspective.  

Positive messages of truth and pointing their focus to something that they can look forward too, even when talking about something of serious nature, like a pandemic, can create a sense of calm both for adults and kids.  Because faith is a huge part of our foundation as a family, the Bible is the first place we go for truth.    

Verses:

Psalm 91, Philippians 4:6-7, Deuteronomy 31:8, Exodus 14:13-14, Malachi 3:6, Isaiah 43:19, Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:19, Proverbs 30:5, Job 5:11, Lamentations 3:22-23, John 14:27, John 16:33, Psalm 55:22, Romans 8:37-39

Distract them with a positive perspective: MORE QUALITY FAMILY TIME!

Let positivity ooze out of you.  Speak it.  Have them repeat it.  Write it with dry erase marker on the bathroom mirrors.  Print it and put it in a frame.   

Finally, since I am confident that you, like us, are trying to be intentional about minimizing the anxiety, stress and confusion this season can cause our children, I wanted to share a FREE resource.  The following resource includes both Questions to ask your kids AND some healthy, life-giving responses.  Download and screenshot or print for easy access. Please share with anyone in your circle that could benefit whether a fellow parent or families in your ministry.

Please go check out my Pinterest account.  There are ‘boards’ organized with ‘busy-activities’ both for preschool and elementary age kids and a ‘Bucket List’ board with ideas for all ages.  Much of what you will find includes a printable or requires materials that you probably already have at home.   Perhaps making your own bucket list of activities you can do at home, would be a great distraction for your family.  While you are there, make sure to ‘follow me’ so that you will see all my updates. 

If you are a ministry leader, please feel free to share this post and resource with families in your ministry!