We are parenting in an unprecedented time, and that means our kids have unprecedented questions and concerns. Knowing how much to tell them is seriously tough. What is appropriate to tell my three year old? And what am I supposed to tell my school-ager who wants to go over to a friend’s house? And how do I talk with my teenager about all rumors they have heard floating around?
Well at The Science of Parenting we focus on sharing research-based information that fits your family. So we have put together some trustworthy resources that guide you in having these tough conversations with your kids. Check them out below (and look for more information on our COVID-19 webpage for parents).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Talking with Children about Coronavirus Disease 2019 General tips for talking with our children based on the most current facts we have about the pandemic
Department of Family Science from the University of Maryland – these pages provide parents with specific questions to ask and words to use based on your child’s age.
- How to Talk to Toddlers and Preschoolers about Coronavirus
- How to Talk to Your School-Age Child About Coronavirus
- How to Talk to Teens About Coronavirus
Zero to Three – Answer Your Young Child’s Questions about Coronavirus
This website provides specific language parents can use to answer questions that young children may have.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (free download of PDF on the right side) – Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
This resource looks at how children of different ages may be reacting to the outbreak and provides tips for talking with each age group.
Mackenzie Johnson
Parent to a little one with her own quirks. Celebrator of the concept of raising kids “from scratch”. Learner and lover of the parent-child relationship. Translator of research with a dose of reality. Certified Family Life Educator.
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Kids have curious nature….they might ask several questions….you should tell them the facts instead of any giving comfort with wrong information…. You should tell them the extent of danger of the disease and how it can effect life and people close to you….make them aware of the preventions and do make them follow all the advices that doctors are giving ( washing hands , boiled water , sanitizers etc )….but also don’t always talk about disease….play with them , have lively conversations, make them engaged in different activities….teach them to be happy in all the situations and this bad time will also go….but they should never be careless and casual towards it.