Are your kids fearful of COVID-19? If so, you are not alone. COVID-19 has caused an immense impact on every part of our lives, especially our children.
The pandemic affects the way we live our daily lives. It has even instilled worry in our kids that can lead them to be fearful of COVID-19. In just a brief period, so much has changed in everyone's lives.
Why have children become fearful of COVID-19?
It has cost them their regular daily routine, for starters. It has kept them isolated from outdoor activities and confused them, leading to anxiety, fear, and loneliness, which can depress children in this rapidly changing situation.
Not only do the children feel the pressure, but even more so is the effect it has had on us, the parents. And when parents feel lonely, depressed, worrisome, and confused with the situation, our kids can sense it. When they see you feeling uncomfortable, it will be challenging for them to talk to you about their problems, and the same could go for you.
Coronavirus has been the jest of every conversation for the last year or so. An open and honest discussion about COVID-19 with your children will help them understand exactly what's going on. In this way, you can help alleviate some of the worries, reassure them, make them feel safe and protected, and help them begin coping with the topic.
Here are some suggestions to help you start a conversation with your kids who may fear COVID-19 and begin maintaining a sense of control within them as they face uncertainty. Many of the strategies we can use are simple yet effective.
Ways to talk to your kids about COVID-19 and the pandemic
Start by learning about COVID-19 from reputable sources prior to your discussion
Learning more about coronavirus from reputable sources is essential if you want to start a conversation with your kids about COVID-19. Your references can be the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. or the World Health Organization (WHO), which serves the United Nations.
As parents, it is best to determine the latest federal and state guidelines concerning COVID-19 and how we can prevent our family from becoming infected. Then you will be ready to start a conversation with your children and offer them the help they need during this trying period.
Help them overcome and process the fear they feel during the pandemic
Start providing them your time and make them feel protected. Allow them to adjust their expectations and the changes in their routines. Help them understand the situation.
To be more effective in doing this, you may spend additional time reading books on COVID-19. This can be an excellent way for parents to start a discussion and engage children on their level.
Books with characters may also help them feel less lonely as they will see that they are not the only ones going through this troubling experience. It may also allow them to see things from a different perspective; this could help them overcome their fear of COVID-19.
