When a constant stream of updates and news about the coronavirus pandemic may leave many adults feeling anxious and perplexed, special care must be exercised while talking to the young ones about COVID-19.
Francesca Cavallo, the co-author of bestselling children's book 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' which sold more than one million copies in 48 different languages, says children may feel overwhelmed by a sudden flurry of information about the outbreak.
“We adults have been following the situation for months, since the first news from Wuhan in China where the virus started spreading. But for kids, it is very direct and sudden around them. They have been immediately exposed to the consequences of it," says Ms Cavallo.
"The use of masks, the social distance measure, improved hygiene practices, for example, with no time to prepare and very little information.
“Children draw a lot of strength from their daily habits. For this reason, at times of great instability and uncertainty, it is important to know what their understanding of the situation is and how they are processing it."
Ms Cavallo says it is essential to be well prepared when broaching the subject with children.
“Children love explanations, they always ask why. But when they have no explanations or perceive anxiety about who is around them, they become afraid to ask and seek explanation elsewhere," she told SBS Italian.
Children love explanations, they always ask why. When they have no explanations or perceive anxiety in who is around them, they become afraid to ask and seek explanations elsewhere.
It's not just about telling boys and girls what's happening about the virus outbreak but also equipping them with the necessary skills in life, she says.
"We are not just teaching children to wash their hands and to be more responsible for their own personal hygiene. The most important thing we can do now is to show them, by our own example, how to behave in an emergency or when facing a crisis in life".
For children, fears are very real. If we make them feel ashamed of their fears we block the communication, while in this delicate moment it is very important that they feel they can trust and confide in us.
The California-based author shares some strategies for adults on how to be easy to understand and reassuring
1 Be mentally prepared
"Avoid talking to the little ones in a state of anxiety or panic," is Ms Cavallo's first advice. “We adults are very worried at the moment, but we have to do our best not to pass our stress to the kids. As they tell us on planes, we must wear our mask before helping those around us."
2 Ask first
The best way to start the conversation, she says, is to ask if the kids have heard of the coronavirus and what they have understood so far. "
"Many parents will be surprised to hear their children's responses. Some may respond that the virus is something like the flu, but others may give more apocalyptic descriptions."
Ms Cavallo says before informing children, it is necessary to understand if they are frightened and what information they have acquired, to better target the information we think is important to share.
3 Listen carefully
She says what children know about the pandemic may not always be rational.
"The important thing is not to laugh and not to ridicule them for what they say," she says.
“For children, fears are very real. If we make them feel ashamed of their fears we block the communication, while in this delicate moment it is very important that they feel they can trust and confide in us."
4 There's a way to explain to children of all ages
“Young children under six should receive very simple explanations. We can tell them, for example, that there are many viruses, some cause stomach aches while others give a cold. This is a particular virus because it likes to travel, and we must make it go away. Otherwise, it will travel too much and cause too many people a fever."
Older children can understand more elaborate explanations.
“From 8 or 9 years of age, you can try to involve them in researches that can interest them in science".
The author, therefore, advises to approach the conversation with a positive spirit and use the situation as an opportunity to share a love of science and the impact that science can have to get us out of the emergency.
5 Turn roles into a game
“Kids love structure. It might be a good idea to integrate hygiene practices and personal distancing rules into a new daily structure to prevent children from developing feelings of anxiety or depression," she says.
“There are many stages of growth where children reject the rules. We can stimulate their imagination by making them visualise the virus as a cartoon villain and good practices such as washing his hands as a way to defeat the villain. This will help the children feel more actively involved in the process and help instill in them new good habits with less stress”.
As of Tuesday afternoon, only people who have recently travelled from overseas or have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and experienced symptoms within 14 days are advised to be tested.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
