Coronavirus: Coping in these stressful times

Children will have important questions for you if they don’t already, and we have to honor their feelings as world events are changing rapidly. The following are some basic guidelines: 

• First, we can’t ignore the crisis and keep our kids in the dark. We can't pretend that children don’t have some fears about their safety and those they love. Parents have to take this on. The crisis is no longer just in China; it has come to every home.
• Be very careful how much media your children consume. The news can be as scary to them as any other program on the screen.
• Calmly approach every conversation with your children, even if you’re not feeling very calm. Children will take your cue and mirror the level of anxiety that you are showing.
• You can begin the conversation asking your kids what questions they have. You are there to answer their questions in a developmentally appropriate way but understand that this may be just the beginning of a rolling conversation. Stay available for future discussions.