Hi guys. There have been many developments in our lives that we are not all used to. We closed our homes due to the coronavirus, we took a break from socializing, and we continue our education from our homes. We all have worries, and maybe some worries, from seven to seventy. As adults somehow we can learn reliable information, but unfortunately the same is not true for children.
They, like us, have some concerns and questions they are curious about. Moreover, they are more likely to be exposed to false information and not accessing correct information. That is why we must be the adults who will give them the right information. But of course there are a few things we need to be aware of when discussing this issue with them.
The children have already noticed what is happening around them. There are people around wearing masks, school patterns have changed, they know they have to stay home. He is already witness to this issue. The best resource they have is you. Inaccurate information about the Corona virus from outside can mislead them, increase their anxiety, and cause anxiety disorders. However, talking to you about this issue will reassure them and make them feel safe.
Do Not Forget The Children's Ages
Talking to them, you have to be honest, but remember their age. Do not hesitate to share the correct information about the Corona virus with them, but adapt the topics you will talk to the way they will understand. For example, "How do we heal when we are sick?" Instead of telling the question about a long and detailed treatment program, we can talk about the doctors healing us in brief details. At the same time, younger children can learn this subject through various animations and videos.
Let Them Ask Questions
Children tend to ask a lot of questions as they have just discovered the world due to their age. Especially if they have a subject they have never witnessed before such as Coronavirus. It should not be forgotten that it is natural for them to have some questions and concerns, too. Allow them to ask questions and answer them diligently to help them manage these concerns.
Manage Your Own Concerns
The uncertainty we are in can make us all worry. Before talking to your children about Covid-19, first identify those close to whom you can talk about your concerns. Do not talk about these concerns to your child, but to an adult who can understand you. At the same time, do activities such as music and meditation that will relax you. Talking to your children after you feel relaxed will make you ready to talk and prevent your child from feeling the same concerns.
Guide the Children
Do not forget that you are the people they model. Tell children how to protect themselves from Covid-19 and apply them yourself. He can learn topics such as washing his hands for 20 seconds and taking care of hygiene by copying from you. I'm also going to tell you about a nice app I've seen on the internet recently to teach this to younger children. Put some water in a deep bowl and sprinkle with black pepper.
The black pepper here represents the virus for us. When you tell the kids to just dip them in water without soaping their hands first, the peppercorns won't go anywhere and will stick to their hands. However, when they soap their hands and dip them in water, they will suddenly run away. They can learn how to protect themselves from the virus with this fun activity.
Teenagers are worse because they think they know it all. My granddaughter has been telling me some hideous conspiracy theories that she has picked up about having the vaccine. Some great ideas you have there for young kids though.