Here’s how to talk to kids about coronavirus without scaring them, experts say

Information about the novel coronavirus seems to spread faster than the virus itself, and kids and teens may have questions about what they’ve heard.

Here’s how experts suggest broaching the subject with the children in your life. The key? Being honest and age-appropriate.

Find out what they know

The most important first step: determining what they’ve heard about the coronavirus.

“Before you start, ask what your child knows so far in case you need to clarify anything, and find out what questions your child has,” Dr. Jacqueline Sperling wrote on Harvard Health Blog.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends reducing screen time to help control how much exposure children have to COVID-19 information that is incorrect or not age-appropriate.

Keep calm, be available

It’s important for children to know their concerns are valid and that someone will listen to their fears, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. Make time to hear their concerns and answer their questions.

If true, the CDC recommends reiterating to your children that they’re safe and healthy, and that adults are working hard to make sure they stay that way.

What you say and do when talking with children about COVID-19 “can either increase or decrease your children’s anxiety,” the NASP wrote.

When speaking with children — and when you’re talking with other adults when children are around — remember they will take their own cues from what you say and how you say it, according to the CDC.

Be honest

First and foremost, ensure your information is accurate with resources like this from official sources such as the CDC.

Use accurate information to ensure you don’t make promises you can’t keep.

For instance, don’t tell children they won’t get COVID-19 — you don’t know that for certain, according to education reporters for NPR. Instead, explain that doctors have found that kids who do catch it don’t get very sick, the outlet reported.

On the flip side, it’s important for children to remember that just because they aren’t feeling well doesn’t mean they have COVID-19, the CDC says.

If your children are under the weather, remind them that they can trust adults to help them get the care they need, whether it’s a cold, the flu or the coronavirus.

Tell them what they can do to help avoid catching COVID-19

Hand-washing is an invaluable tool in stopping the spread of coronavirus, so make sure your children are doing it frequently and thoroughly.

According to the CDC, children should wash their hands with soap and water after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or going to the bathroom. Proper hand washing takes at least 20 seconds — about the length of Happy Birthday sung twice.

If soap and water isn’t available, teach children how to use hand sanitizer, per the CDC. Be sure to supervise young children to ensure they don’t swallow it.

It’s also important to remind your children to stay away from people who exhibit symptoms — fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the NASP.

That said, be sure to avoid using language that could stigmatize or blame others. It’s also important to explain that viruses infect people of all ages and races, according to the CDC.

“Be aware of any comments that other adults are having around your family,” the NASP wrote. “You may have to explain what comments mean if they are different than the values that you have at home.”

This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 8:07 AM with the headline "Here’s how to talk to kids about coronavirus without scaring them, experts say."