Talking to your child about a health crisis like Coronavirus
In light of recent events of the world health organization declaring the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency, the Australian government has issued a health alert as a precaution.
As this topic will come up in the news, but also at the playground, grocery store or school your child will be exposed to this at some point - if not already. If you haven’t already actively spoken about it, they will likely overhear conversations and notice our own fears or worries.
If you seem worried or preoccupied they may avoid bringing it up with you. To avoid turning our (and the public’s) worries into excessive anxiety in your child you’ll want to find a way to discuss the topic. We don’t want to frighten them by talking about it too much, which can be especially challenging when you are worried or anxious yourself. At the same time, we want to make sure you and your family can take precautions to avoid contagion.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you discuss a health crises (e.g. Coronavirus) with your child.
· Choose a safe space and time for the conversation where you can give them your full attention. If you are worried about this topic yourself, try and be calm as children will watch adult’s emotions to assess their own safety. Express your worry, but reassure that you are safe and they are not responsible for your safety/feelings.
· Start by checking what your child already knows. Ask open questions, assess their level of understanding, and address any worries (acknowledge and reassure) or misunderstandings. They may have picked up misinformation along the way, or tried to make sense of pieces of information that made them believe something more catastrophic.
· Let them lead the conversation, but don’t overload them with information. Explain how or why you know things, or what you might not know - be honest! Don’t make any promises you can’t keep and let them know they can always ask more questions at a different time.
· Keep the conversation factual and simple, focus on positives and avoid using words that may emphasize the shocking nature of the event (horrible, terrible, devastating) and use lower emotional descriptive words (e.g., concerning, upsetting).
· The conversation can be a good opportunity to learn more together about how sickness works in our bodies or involve your child in any preparation and new (hygienic) routines you want to implement. Give them a sense of control by giving them specific tasks and showing them how they can look after themselves
Quick facts about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
It is a respiratory disease with flu-like symptoms, with a higher mortality rate than the flu (approx. 2%).
Children do not seem to be as affected compared to the elderly.
It spreads by ‘droplets’ (ie., coughing).
Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face (no need for facemasks) to help stem the spread.
If you are sick, stay at home. Call health services, don’t just show up to your GP as you could spread illness in the waiting room.
Quick Links for more information
More specifics on Coronavirus by the world health organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
And updates by the department of health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert#current-status