(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Right now, every person’s life and routine in the U.S. have been disrupted. Schools are closed, families are sequestered, people are worried about the health of loved ones, and of course, there\u2019s the fear of the unknown. So, what\u2019s the best way to talk to your kids about coronavirus, without increasing their anxiety? <\/p>\n\n\n
The images are everywhere, so it\u2019s natural that our kids\nhear more than we think they do about coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n
Abigail Schlesinger, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. She says before talking about coronavirus with your kids take a minute to be calm and make sure you have correct facts. <\/p>\n\n\n
Dr. Schlesinger detailed, \u201cAlthough it\u2019s important to show\nkids that you have emotions, you might be anxious about something. What you\ndon\u2019t want to do is inadvertently dump your emotions on them.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n
Dr. Schlesinger said to start by asking kids if they have any questions. Be honest but keep it simple. For example, if young children ask why they can\u2019t play with friends, tell them \u201cWe\u2019re taking a break from playing with others so everyone can stay healthy.\u201d If they ask why someone is wearing a mask, say \u201cSometimes people cover their faces when they don\u2019t feel well.\u201d And if an adult needs to be separated from them try to avoid words like sickness and quarantine. Say \u201cMommy needs to be away for a little while, but she\u2019ll be back soon.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n
Dr. Schlesinger said even in this time of change, it\u2019s\nimportant that some routines are maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cSo basic routines, like when kids eat dinner, when kids go to bed, those can be retained, even in times of quarantine and social distancing,\u201d explained Dr. Schlesinger. <\/p>\n\n\n
Finally, empower kids by focusing on the things they can\ncontrol, like hygiene and hand washing.<\/p>\n\n\n
While children are at lower risk of being infected, they can still be carriers without symptoms. Research organization Child Trends offers information for supporting children\u2019s emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, go to Resources for Supporting Children\u2019s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n