Talking to Children About COVID19
The COVID19 news coverage can be horrifying for children. Parents and others who work
closely with their children can filter the information and talk about it in a way that their
children can understand. These tips will help:
Easy peace of mind. Remind children that researchers and doctors have learned as much as
possible about the virus and are taking steps to protect everyone.
Give them control. It’s also a good time to remind children what they can do to wash their
hands frequently, cough tissues and sleeves, and get enough sleep.
Watch out for signs of fear. Children may not have the words to express their worries, but you
can see their signs. They may be moody, clinging, have sleep problems, or appear distracted.
Try to stay calm and stick to your normal routine.
Monitor the media. Keep young children away from the horrifying pictures you might see on
TV, social media, and other sources. Talk to older children about what you heard in the news
and correct any false information or rumors you may hear.
Give a good example. COVID19 does not discriminate, nor do we. COVID19 started in Wuhan,
China, but being Asian (or other ancestor) does not mean making anyone more susceptible to
the virus or more contagious. Stigma and discrimination hurt everyone by creating fear and
