How to Talk to Kids about COVID-19

this illustrated story by Manuela Molina is a lovely child-friendly and emotionally safe way to support children’s understanding of COVID-19 and to help reassure them. It can open up conversations about any underlying fears or anxiety they may have regarding the current state of affairs.

be sure to watch what you say and how you talk about COVID-19 to others in your children’s presence. They will pick up on your anxiety and underlying fears, which might trigger their own emotional reactions. (Children look to their parents’ emotional reactions to gauge how they should feel / react to situations). The key is to communicate calm and reassurance to your children and to reassure them that you will do everything in your power to keep them safe and protected. This will contribute to reestablish / affirm a sense of safety for them during these uncertain times.

also keep in mind that emotions are processed through repetitive play and repeated stories. So revisit this illustration often.