{"id":12166,"date":"2020-03-27T18:21:28","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T22:21:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/languageworkshopforchildren.com\/?p=12166"},"modified":"2020-04-20T13:31:45","modified_gmt":"2020-04-20T17:31:45","slug":"talking-to-your-kids-about-covid-19-and-social-distancing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/languageworkshopforchildren.com\/talking-to-your-kids-about-covid-19-and-social-distancing\/","title":{"rendered":"Talking to Your Kids about COVID-19 and Social Distancing"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the days add up and turn into weeks of being \u201ctrapped\u201d in the house, your kids are likely starting to feel the effects of social distancing. Maybe they\u2019ve missed out on a birthday party they\u2019ve been planning for months. Or, especially for younger kids, something as seemingly trivial as missing their weekly opportunity to participate in their class\u2019s show and tell is dragging them down.<\/p>\n

Likely, they\u2019re starting to realize that we could be in this for longer than expected. And, perhaps they\u2019re secretly worried that they\u2019re going to get sick or their friends are going to get sick. Or, worse, they\u2019re harboring fears that you are going to get sick.<\/p>\n

As a parent, what do you say? How do soothe nerves without denying the reality they\u2019re witnessing first hand?<\/p>\n

There is no handbook for this scenario and many of us are struggling to find the words to impart the information while providing reassurance. By now you\u2019ve, no doubt, had numerous conversations with your kids about COVID-19. State-wide school closings and virtual learning<\/a> requirements necessitate such conversations. But, whether you\u2019ve had two conversations or twenty, the key to keeping your kids feeling as secure as possible is regularly checking in about any questions or worries they might have.<\/p>\n

When it comes to the \u201chow\u201d of checking in, it depends on your child\u2019s age.<\/p>\n

For younger kids, start by assessing what they already know and what, specifically, they want to know. One of the biggest mistakes parents make when having hard conversations with young kids is providing information they aren\u2019t looking for. Open a dialogue and ask some questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, we\u2019ve been cooped up in the house for a couple weeks now. How are you feeling? Do you understand why we\u2019re staying home? Do you have any questions?\u201d<\/p>\n

That will guide you in the direction you take during the conversation. From there, answer any questions honestly, but age-appropriately. For young kids, what they are primarily concerned with is your safety. Reassure them that you are safe and doctors are working to ensure everyone stays safe.<\/p>\n

For older kids, prepare for some hard questions about death. Older kids are more aware of what\u2019s happening, more able to grasp the severity of the situation, and far more acutely aware of the possibilities of losing someone they love to this illness. For this age group, focus on the precautions everyone is taking, assure them that all of the sacrifices we are making are helping to \u201cflatten the curve,\u201d and reiterate what they can do to help keep themselves safe.<\/p>\n

For all kids, here are some additional resources to help you in your mission:<\/p>\n