As a parent, discussing the current COVID-19 situation with your children can be challenging. How much information should you share? How do you address school closures and the importance of social distancing without causing fear? It’s essential to find a balance that keeps kids calm and accountable.
Use this as an opportunity
Instead of shielding children from reality, consider this crisis as an opportunity for growth. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a board-certified family physician and youth development expert, suggests using these uncertain times as a chance to teach kids valuable life skills. Tailor your explanations to be developmentally appropriate, focusing on the basics of the virus and the actions we can take to stay safe.
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Understand your role
Your primary role as a parent is to provide comfort and security for your children. Although it may be challenging to manage your own anxiety, it’s vital to remain the calm and composed figure your children rely on. Additionally, remember that you don’t have to have all the answers. Being honest and admitting when you don’t know something can actually foster trust and open communication with your child.
Activity: Create Coping Mechanisms
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Sitting down as a family to create a list of coping mechanisms can provide a sense of control and stability during this crisis and future ones. Start by brainstorming a comprehensive list of coping strategies, both healthy and unhealthy. Then, eliminate any harmful methods and compile a final list of positive and neutral coping mechanisms. Display this list prominently as a reminder of healthy strategies.
Add context
When discussing the virus with your child, it’s essential to add context and frame it within the values you want to instill. Tailor your explanations based on your child’s age and level of understanding. Encourage your child to ask questions and address any misconceptions they may have. Use reputable sources when seeking information to ensure accuracy.
Check for misinformation
Before diving into a conversation, gauge your child’s knowledge and understanding of the situation. Ask them what they’ve heard and what they know. This helps you tailor your conversation to correct any misinformation or misunderstandings. Remember, children may mistakenly believe they are responsible for the entire crisis, so it’s essential to provide them with accurate information and reassure them that it’s not their fault.
Lead with empathy
When your child expresses disappointment or frustration over canceled events or activities, practice empathy. Put yourself in their shoes and validate their feelings. Share a personal experience when you faced a similar disappointment, demonstrating that you understand their emotions. This approach helps children feel understood and allows them to process their feelings effectively.
Activity: Communicate with Empathy
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If you’re struggling to communicate empathetically, utilize the following steps and statements to support someone through grief while empowering them to find solutions:
- Start with an empathy statement: “I understand how you feel” or “You must feel so hopeless.”
- Align yourself with them: “I am on your side here.”
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage problem-solving: “Tell me more…” or “What do you see as your options?”
Don’t overshare stressful details
While it’s important to share enough emotion with your child to let them know you understand, be mindful not to burden them with overwhelming or stressful details. Share information that is age-appropriate and avoid instilling unnecessary fear or anxiety.
Activity: F.I.G.H.T. COVID-19
To help your child navigate the current situation, teach them the F.I.G.H.T. COVID-19 strategy:
- Focus on what you can control.
- Identify negative thoughts and challenge them.
- Generate alternative thoughts to promote flexibility.
- Practice highly adaptive behaviors.
- Teach others to do the same.
Takeaway
Communicating with kids about COVID-19 is a crucial task. By approaching the conversation with empathy, honesty, and careful information sharing, you can help your children feel safe and act responsibly. Engaging in communication and coping exercises as a family will enable you to navigate this crisis together effectively. For more information, visit our website at Alpinetgheep.com.
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