How to Talk to Your Child about a Family Member Contracting COVID-19.jpg

We are all having to navigate some sticky conversations with our children during this time. Living during a global pandemic has upended many peoples' lives and our kids often wonder why things are different, why we're doing what we're doing. The following blog offers guidance for those of you who have a family member or loved one who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and a young child who's wondering what's going on.

1. To explain, keep it simple!

For example, "Daddy is a little bit sick right now. When people are sick, they need to rest. When people are sick, we need to give them space so that we don't get sick, too" or "Our family is doing X to keep everyone healthy right now." Keep conversations simple and follow your child's lead. Kids typically digest big things in little bites. Your child might seem totally satisfied with a few details to start but want to come back a day or so later to have you repeat the same explanation again and/or to build upon their understanding. So,

2. Keep the lines of communication open:

Let your child know, "You can always come to me to talk more about that later if you want."

3. Let your child have their feelings, whatever they may be.

It is VERY healthy for children to express their feelings and they need the time and space to move through the feeling and get to the other side of it. It's NOT best for parents to try to "fix" those feelings, no matter how uncomfortable it may make us feel when our kids are hurting. Let your child have their feeling and help identify it. For example, "Are you feeling worried/sad/scared about that? Yeah, I feel sad that we can't see Auntie Hazel right now, too.")

4. And validate the feeling…

by simply nodding your head, being present with your child and/or restating what they've said (i.e. "You feel angry at Grandma for not coming over. I understand that.")

5. DON'T dismiss things or try to sweep the issue under a rug.

For example, parents like to say to their kids: "Don't worry" or "You don't need to worry about that" or "Everything is totally fine". Kids do worry and they know when things are concerning. If we don't make space for their feelings, then they are left to make sense of it all on their own. So, lean in and embrace the discussion.