By Erin Kampbell, Learning Child Educator - Nebraska Extension
As COVID-19 continues to spread into the Panhandle, it is important to make sure children understand what they might have heard about the virus.
Children need information about the virus without too many details
If children know about COVID-19 but do not hear about it from trusted adults, their imaginations might take over and cause anxiety. At the same time, providing a great deal of detailed information could overwhelm and frighten a child.
Before talking to children, consult reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/) to learn facts about the virus and tips for prevention and management of the disease. It can also be helpful to consult CDC because they regularly update their recommendations.
Familiarize yourself with the guidelines for our area provided by Panhandle Public Health District (http://pphd.org/). You can stay up to date by watching for their news releases.
Define the virus in a way that children can understand
Sometimes catching a virus can feel scary, particularly for children. What does the child know about COVID-19? Asking what a child has heard will allow you to find out if the child has questions or fears which you can address.
To describe the virus in a simple way, you might tell children COVID-19 is a tiny germ that makes people not feel well. Often, people who get sick from the virus have a fever and cough but other people only feel a little sick. For some people, it might be harder to breathe than normal.
Describe how we catch the virus and explain how we can protect against catching it
When someone who caught the virus coughs or sneezes, some of the germs inside their body come out in tiny droplets. If another person breathes or touches the drops and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, that person might get sick because the eyes, nose, and mouth are places germs can get inside our bodies.
Explain to children that we can try to keep germs out. You could tell them:
· Sneeze and cough into a tissue, throw it away, and wash your hands. You can also sneeze or cough into your elbow, which is sometimes nicknamed the “cough pocket.” This keeps some of the germs from flying into the air or getting on your hands.
· The tiny droplets from coughs and sneezes can go six feet and that is why it is a good idea to keep space between people. Help them measure six feet so they can see how far it is.
· Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and after blowing your nose. Count slowly to 20 or sing the ABCs while rubbing the soap all over your hands. You could change the end of the ABC song to “Now I know my ABCs, and my hands are nice and clean.”
· Try not to touch your mouth, eyes, or nose since germs can get inside your body more easily in those places.
Help children feel safe and not worry
Let children know it is okay if they feel upset about all the changes happening and that you also feel upset sometimes. Show them healthy ways you deal with stress to help them learn that they can manage stress, too.
Reassure children that it is good for them to keep doing things they have fun with, like going outside and playing active games. It is important to maintain a routine while being flexible at times. Doing healthy things like drinking lots of water and eating nutritious meals and snacks can help their bodies stay strong to fight the virus. Remind them they can keep germs away by coughing and sneezing into their elbow and washing their hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom and before eating. Be sure to model healthy behavior.
Children watch trusted adults to see how serious a situation is and whether they should be worried. If you have concerns, limit how much you express them around children. The language used in the news may sound overwhelming to children so rely on credible organizations like the CDC and Panhandle Public Health District to keep yourself informed and avoid exposing children to news stories about the virus.
You might notice children talking about the virus or acting out scenarios that include the virus when they are playing. Play is a way for children to process and express their emotions, so even if it seems surprising or uncomfortable to see them incorporating the virus into play, it can be good for them and serve as a way for you reassure them that they are being cared for and are safe. However, if children are anxious or upset during this kind of play, they may need you to help them label some of their feelings and identify ways to address these fears.
To help children cope with difficult experiences, Nebraska Extension’s The Learning Child team developed Read for Resilience, a selection of nine books with reading guides and activities. Adults can use the free downloadable storybook guides to engage with children about tough situations.
Go to the Read for Resilience website (https://child.unl.edu/read4resilience) to see the list of books and download the story guides or call 308-432-3373 for more information. One of the books is downloadable and specific to supporting children’s understanding of COVID-19.