Tips for Talking to Teens and Kids about Coronavirus

With the constant news regarding the coronavirus, it is likely that teens and children may feel overwhelmed. The fear and doubt may be prompted by their lack of comprehension about the current situation. Many parents are deliberating how to discuss the subject in a manner that will be reassuring and prevent the children and teens from becoming worried/anxious.  

Parents can aid children and teens better than the media and friends in understanding what is happening and assist them to manage their anxiety. This can be done in several ways including maintaining a state of normalcy in the house. Obviously, there is some day-to-day differences since most children and teens are now doing online/homeschool, however trying to keep a day-to-day normal schedule can help, such as same bedtime, wake-up times, shower/bath schedule, and meal schedule. Children especially can have difficulty coping with uncertainty, staying grounded in schedules and predictability is essential. Some form of consistency in the way things are conducted in the day-to-day can lessen worries.   

In addition, offering validation of feelings and assurance to teens and children is imperative. They need to be reminded that efforts are in place to contain the disease.  Children have reduced abilities to comprehend what is being said in the news, which may cause them to have a sense of panic as they try to fathom the extent of the risk involved. Teens can over catastrophize or take a more laissez faire (hands off concern).  It is important to reassure children that being safe and cautious with new ways of interacting with others can lessen worry about the virus.  As for teens, parents can guide them by channeling their worries into something they can practice; for instance, how they important part of the process of stopping the virus by staying home. 

It is important as parents that you practice good self-care to model for your kids and teens, as well as find ways to manage your own anxiety. When you are extremely anxious, it is not ideal to talk to kids and teens about the virus. While it is common to have moments of feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it is important to model calmness.  Teens and children tend to be perceptive of the atmosphere around them; hence, lack of calmness may prompt them to panic. A sense of calmness conveys a clear message to the children/teens and reduces any waves of anxiety and worry. Parents can take a few minutes to themselves during the day to gain composure to help fostering tranquility.

Listening actively is key during this time. Children and teens may receive news about the virus from other sources such as the internet or friends that may cause them to worry. Listening becomes crucial as it offers an opportunity to gain their perspective fears, worries, and questions. Try to answer their questions to eliminate doubt and ask them questions empathetically in a way that shows them you understand their feelings and concerns. Be honest as well during this time.  It is important with accurate and truthful answers to our kids and teens.  As a rule of thumb, offer basic information.  Ask you teen or child if they have additional questions and answer those questions.  It is not recommended to download all information about the virus you know or what you have learned each day about the virus, unless there are specific questions coming from your teen/child.  We encourage parents to also limit the amount of time they are consuming the news. More information can make you nervous.  Be mindful about the amount of time you spend on social media and watching the news.  A good rule of thumb is 20-60 minutes a day between these two sources, to reduce you your likelihood of becoming nervous.

Try to make talks informative and stimulating. Despite the seriousness of coronavirus, children tend to participate better through play. An innovative learning setting that caters for age, level of anxiety, and developmental degree may aid the child to understand the details. The coronavirus will pass. In the meantime, parents have an important role to teach their kids and teens how to cope with uncertainty. Therefore, knowing how to impart teens and kids with adequate information that is accurate yet not overwhelming to is vital. 

Is your teen or child feeling anxious – schedule a video therapy session with one of our therapists during this time.