Experts suggest talking to kids about COVID-19 pandemic
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Child Mind Institute made a list of advice to help parents talk about COVID-19 with their children.
The “Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus" list includes advice such as don’t be afraid to discuss the coronavirus, as many children have already seen or heard things related to it. Not talking about something can actually make kids worry more, the institute says.
Experts say parents should discuss what COVID-19 is with their children so they feel reassured and less worried.
The Child Mind Institute suggests trying not to give too much information and to stick with honestly answering the specific questions children have.
According to Jamie Howard, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, “Kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe.” Continue to remind children to follow CDC guidelines such as washing your hands with soap and water and not touching your face.
The list states to try to follow a routine. Parents can think of it as spring break or vacation. Set meal times and bedtimes are important for children’s everyday structure.
Experts say to keep talking to children. Even if you don’t have the answers to all of their questions remind them that you will continue talking and listening to them.
“It’s something that when we talk about it at the dinner table they hear us talk about it,” said Macey Watermann, Centralia Middle School’s Assistant Principal. “Wondering why they don’t get to go see their cousins or grandparents' house. It's just to be safe and try to keep other people safe as well.”
Many of us have questions about COIVD-19, including the Watermann kindergarten twins.
“With this, it’s just another way to try to be safe,” said Watermann. “So whether it’s talking to strangers or cutting down on germs. Trying to make it as age-appropriate as we can for them.”
The Waterman's are doing their best to help their kids continue learning school work during the pandemic.
The Waterman’s are involved in administration at Centralia, but neither teaches elementary. They said it’s been an adjustment trying to transition to teaching kindergarteners.
“I’m a big schedule person, said Jason Watermann, Centralia High School’s business teacher. “So their teacher sent us the schedule of eight this and 8:15 is this and I was like perfect boom, boom boom we’re doing this we’re doing that ok we spent 10 minutes on that let’s move on.
“We teach but I’ve never taught kindergarten,” said Watermann. “So some of the stuff we’re doing they’re like that's not how we do it so I’m like I don’t know how. We’re trying but giving them some choice and having fun with it so that we all make it an enjoyable experience.”
The Watermann’s encourage parents to ask their children’s teacher questions about the school work, as this is new and an adjustment for everyone.
