Tips for parents to their child
With the growing number of people infected with coronavirus to the child, new challenges are also emerging that we need to address together. In short, they could be summed up: “it does not spread infection, it does not spread intolerance.” In the past, Slovenians have always proved to be an extremely solitary and compassionate nation that understands the plight of the vulnerable, so even in the current situation, it is important to join forces in spreading kindness, support, and understanding to others. This includes both responsible behaviors in the form of implementing protective measures to prevent the spread of infection as well as preventing the spread of intolerance.
Understandably, in the flood of information about the coronavirus, adults feel insecure, so children are also expected to experience distress. Because children may have difficulty understanding media information, they may be particularly susceptible to feelings of anxiety, stress, and sadness. Talking openly with your child in an understandable way can ease their distress and encourage them to take a positive approach.
1. Ask the child and listen to him
Start by encouraging the child to talk. Find out how much he already knows about the coronavirus, and let him tell you everything he thinks about. If your child is younger and has not heard of the coronavirus, you do not need to ask questions – just take the opportunity to remind them of important hygiene measures and be careful not to encourage fear. You should be in a safe environment and allow your child to speak freely. Drawings, stories, and other activities can help stimulate conversation.
The most important thing is not to ignore your child’s worries or try to reduce them. Reassure him that you understand his feelings and explain to him that fear is something completely normal in such cases. Give him your full attention, listen to him, and make sure he can talk to you or an adult he trusts at any time.
2. Be honest and explain the situation in a child-friendly way
Children have a right to real information about what is happening around the world, and adults have a duty to protect children from distress. Adjust your tongue to the child’s age, observe how he or she responds, and pay attention to his or her potential anxiety. When you don’t know how to answer questions, don’t guess. Take the opportunity to find answers together.
3. Show him how he can protect himself and his friends
One of the best ways to protect children from coronavirus and other diseases is to wash your hands properly. Washing your hands can be fun if you accompany it with a song or dance.
Also, show your child how to sneeze and cough up their sleeve properly. Remind him to be careful not to be too close to other people and encourage him to tell you if he feels bad too
4. Act reassuringly and understandingly
On television or online, we are surrounded by many worrying images, so it can sometimes seem like a crisis is all around us. Children may not be able to distinguish between the images on the screens and their reality, so they may begin to believe they are in immediate danger.
You can help your child manage stress by allowing him to play and relax whenever possible. Maintain as many routines and schedules as possible, especially before your child goes to bed, or help create new routines in a new environment.
If you experience an outbreak in your local area, remind your child that protective measures are extremely important in preventing infection. At the same time, in most infected people the disease is milder, especially in children. Many adults work hard to keep your family safe.
If your child is feeling unwell, explain to him that he needs to stay home or under supervision because it is so much safer for him and his friends. Let him know that this is difficult at times (maybe even scary or even boring), but following the rules will help everyone to be safer.
5. Check to see if your child is a victim of stigma or encourages it
The outbreak of coronavirus has affected many reports of discrimination and intolerance around the world and in our country, so it is necessary to check that your child does not experience this and does not encourage bullying.
Explain to him that the coronavirus does not choose by appearance, nor by nationality, nor by what language someone speaks. If your child is experiencing bullying, encourage them to talk to an adult they trust immediately.
Remind your children that everyone deserves to feel safe in their environment. Bullying is never the right way and we all need to contribute our share in spreading kindness, support, and understanding to others.
6. Praise the kindness and effort of others
It is important that children know that people help each other with kind and generous actions. Share the stories of health professionals, scientists, and young people working to stop the spread of the virus and maintain safety in the community. It is a great consolation to know that compassionate people are active and fighting the virus.
7. Take care of yourself
You will help your child better if you take care of yourself as well. The child will imitate you in your response to the news, so it helps if you show him that you are calm and that you are in control of your emotions.
Feel free to turn to others you trust for help if you are worried or upset. Take time for yourself and for the things that help you relax.
8. Pay attention to the child’s response during the conversation
It is important that a child in need is not left to fend for himself. When concluding a conversation with a child, try to assess his or her anxiety by observing the child’s body language, tone of voice, and breathing.
Remind your child to talk to you at any time about the things he or she is worried about. Remind him that you will always take care of him, that you listen to him, and that you are available to him when something worries him.
