Resources for Talking to Children about COVID-19

In response to the concern over the Coronavirus, the school counseling staff has identified some resources to guide caregivers in how to talk to children about the virus. Children benefit from factual, age appropriate information about the potential seriousness of disease risk with concrete instruction about how to avoid infections and spread of disease.

Teaching and modeling positive preventive measures, and talking with children about their fears can help reduce anxiety.

Children look to adults for guidance on how to respond to stressful events. The following resources are intended to support caregivers in navigating questions and concerns that may arise.

Resources:

Child Mind Institute

Jamie Howard, PhD, Clinical Psychologist

Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus (4 minute video)

National Association of School Psychologists

Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource (PDF)

Helping Children Cope with Emergencies

https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html

Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://drive.google.com/file/...

Talking to Children about COVID-19, a Parent Resource