With summer camp activities and school resuming, talking to your kids about COVID-19 is sure to be an issue your family will face. What’s the best way to handle it?
Encourage COVID-19 Questions from Kids
Encourage your child to ask any COVID question on their mind, from the serious to the silly, whether they’re worried about a loved one or the loss of a favorite pastime, like restaurant or movie trips. It is especially important to show boys aged 10-15 you take their concerns seriously. The more open and honest you are about addressing your child’s questions with fact-based information, the less likely they will get less-than-accurate information from friends.
Pass On Age Appropriate COVID-19 Information
Set the tone, filtering the news and passing essential information on to your kids. It’s best to avoid prompting questions and overwhelming your child with too much information – answer only the questions they ask. Take cues from your child, inviting them to talk to you about what they’ve heard about COVID and how it makes them feel. The goal is to head off frightening misconceptions.
Be Honest About COVID Questions You Can’t Answer
There’s no shame in an honest, “I don’t know.” Even healthcare experts are figuring things out about the virus. Don’t quell their fears with platitudes. Uncertainty is a normal part of life. The way you handle it will show your children how to manage it in a healthy way, helping them become more calm, resilient adults.
Avoid Having COVID Conversations with Children When You’re Anxious
If you’re struggling with your own fears, take the time to calm down before discussing COVID with your kids. If the conversation is time-sensitive, look to your spouse, trusted family member, or friend for help.
Reassure the Frightened
Headlines about rapidly growing death tolls can shock and frighten children. Reassure them very few children are being infected with COVID and about things your family and others are doing to stay safe.
Highlight COVID Safety Measures that Keep Your Kids Safe
Emphasize the COVID safety precautions you and others are taking to keep your kids safe, such as masking, vaccination, social distancing, staying home when sick, and hand washing. Knowing what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones gives kids a feeling of empowerment.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Let your child know you’ll update them on topics that most concern them as information becomes available and that they can come to you if they have any additional questions or concerns.
Whether headed off to school or their first trip to overnight summer camp, talking to your kids about COVID-19 is essential. Prep for success with help from Camp Mowglis summer camp for boys. Help your kids get back to normal in 2022. Sign up for our upcoming camping session today.
