7 Tough Questions Kids Ask about Coronavirus and Covid-19
Written By Esther Davy
kids have questions about coronavirus and covid-19 and I don’t have answers.
Schools close, Mom and Dad never leave the house, and kids have questions…
A lot of questions about Coronavirus and Covid-19. I don’t know how to answer them, so we interviewed and found answers from 4 experts on 7 tough questions kids have about Coronavirus.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a type of germ, a virus, that can cause people to have a cold. So runny nose cough, and in some people it can cause some more severe symptoms like trouble breathing.
– Suchitra Rao, MD Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, Children’s Hospital Colorado
When your child asks about the Coronavirus, the first thing parents should assess is how much kids already know or what misinformation they may have. Parents can say, “tell me what you think it is, or what you have heard” and can then provide facts from there. Keep it as honest and calm as possible. “The Coronavirus is a type of virus that humans have never gotten before. Because humans haven’t had it before it can spread easily through coughing, sneezing and touching our eyes or face.”
-Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT Registered Therapist at Knoxville Counselling Services
why is school closed?
One of the things that we want to make sure is that we are protecting everybody’s health. And one of the ways that we do that is not to have people that are sick come into contact with a lot of other people. And one of the places that that happens very naturally is at a school. And so, we’d be talking with medical professionals and your principal and other schools folks about what we need to do to make sure that people stay safe and that might include cancelling school. Hopefully for a short time and that we get back to our routine as quickly as possible.
-Jason Williams, PsyD Pediatric Psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado
“Even though no one in your school may be sick, everyone is being extra careful to make sure that people in our community who are not as strong (elderly, those who are already sick) don’t get it. Since it can be spread easily, one of the ways we can help keep others healthy is to not be around large groups of people (like at school). There are lots of medical professionals helping to make the best decisions to keep everyone safe and healthy.”
-Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT Registered Therapist at Knoxville Counselling Services
Right now, everyone from teachers to your friends to mommy and daddy are trying be helpful to everyone around them by staying at home more and being around lots of people. It’s something called prevention.
-Mollie Eliasof, Licensed Child and Family Therapist at Mollie Eliasof LCSW Therapy
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Why can’t I go to the Library/Park/Sports?
“Just like with schools being closed, everyone is being extra careful right now not to be in crowds where the virus could be spread or where a lot of people have been and touched things (like play equipment).” It can be hard to stay at home and kids may be disappointed about not going to an event or social gathering. Make sure to validate those feelings but also ensure that the limited contact is one way that we can do our part to keep ourselves and others well. If kids feel like they are making a difference, or have some power/control, they will be more likely to understand the safety protocols being put in place.
-Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT Registered Therapist at Knoxville Counselling Services
We are trying to keep everyone safe by spending a little more time around less people. There are lots of people in those places
-Mollie Eliasof, Licensed Child and Family Therapist at Mollie Eliasof LCSW Therapy
am I Going to get sick?
Parents can explain to kids that the Coronavirus is still rare and that they probably won’t get sick. Even if they were to get sick, the cases in children have been mild. Reassure them that they have control by reminding them the best way to keep healthy (from colds, flu or the Coronavirus) is to wash your hands often and for long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
-Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT Registered Therapist at Knoxville Counselling Services
Is my pet gonna get sick?
“I don’t think so. Scientists are learning more everyday about the virus, but as of right now, there isn’t any reason to think our pets would get sick.” Let kids know that scientists and medical professionals are working on around the clock to learn more about the virus and if there is any new information, Mom/Dad will hear about it, but what we know right now is that dogs and cats aren’t getting sick.
-Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT Registered Therapist at Knoxville Counselling Services
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Mom/Dad, are you gonna die?
Mommy and daddy are doing everything we can to keep you and us and everyone well around us. That’s why we’re trying to be preventative.
-Mollie Eliasof, Licensed Child and Family Therapist at Mollie Eliasof LCSW Therapy
“We are going to keep doing all of the things we can do to stay healthy like not going in big crowds, washing our hands, covering our mouths if we cough or sneeze and not touching our eyes. Not everyone who gets sick dies, so even if we do get sick, we will probably get better.” It’s not ideal to just say, “no” to reassure kids. Be honest, but reassuring.
-Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT Registered Therapist at Knoxville Counselling Services
How long is it going to be like this?
It’s ok to say, “I don’t know, or I’m not sure” The truth is there is some uncertainty for us all since we haven’t experienced a situation like this in our lifetime. Making speculative statements for kids’ reassurance can backfire, and cause distrust if information they are given doesn’t come true. Again, make sure they know that Mom/Dad are staying informed and will keep kids posted on the facts too. A lot of times, kids will be ok with the uncertainty if they know that you will continue to give them information as you learn more.
-Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT Registered Therapist at Knoxville Counselling Services
We don’t know yet sweetie, but we are going to try to make the most of our quality time together and take care of each other.
-Mollie Eliasof, Licensed Child and Family Therapist at Mollie Eliasof LCSW Therapy
Not sure how to protect your family from getting Coronavirus? See this article and advice from WHO and CDC.
Meet the experts
Courtney Brandon, LPC/MHSP, RPT is a registered play therapist and child specialist in Knoxville, TN. In her private practice she treats children and teens who have experienced trauma, grief/loss or parents’ divorce. She also offers parenting support for a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges to help the whole family get through upsetting life situations. www.knoxvillecounselingservices.com Learn more about Talking to your kids about Coronavirus here.
Mollie Eliasof, Licensed Child and Family Therapist at Mollie Eliasof LCSW Therapy Mollie founded Mollie Eliasof Therapy with the hopes that people could have more space to thrive by exploring their emotional wellness in a place that was safe and filled with integrity. Want a quick win? Check out how to Have It All! — A cheat sheet made for us busy professionals to optimize our relationships!
Suchitra Rao, MD Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist from Children’s Hospital Colorado. These answers were originally given during an interview posted on Youtube on March 6th, 2020. Photo Credit to Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Jason Williams, PsyD Pediatric Psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. These answers were originally given during an interview posted on Youtube on March 6th, 2020. Photo Credit to Children’s Hospital Colorado.
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