fbpx

How To Talk To Your Children About Coronavirus

With COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus, officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization last week, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declaring all schools will remain closed until at least April 15, children are experiencing upheaval and uncertainty in their day-to-day lives as adults.

Jessica Leon is a psychotherapist, life coach, licensed clinical social worker and certified brain health coach who runs a private practice called Therapist to Go and lives in Weston. She offers useful tips on how to best speak to your child about the ongoing and unprecedented events.

For starters, be mindful of free time. Start creating new habits and engage in activities that reduce stress levels and increase our immune system such as meditation, yoga, drawing, listening to music and doing art.

“I really try to emphasize that when I give instructions or suggestions, they’re not just arbitrary because
they’re theory or philosophically that would be what would work best,” Leon says. “There’s scientific evidence behind the chemicals we release when we are in a calm place, as opposed to when we have stress.”

How you tailor your conversation about the current health crisis varies depending on your child’s age. Leon breaks it down for parents.

For children ages 3-6:

Keep it simple. Explain to your child the importance of healthy hygiene habits, like washing your hands, particularly after coughing, sneezing and using the bathroom. Let them know this is something we should always practice, but need to be especially mindful of now to keep everyone safe.

Leon suggests explaining, “We always have to do this because sometimes there’s flu bugs that can get in our body and make us feel sick. Right now, there’s a big flu bug so everyone has to be careful.”

She urges all parents to help young children focus on creating something positive, like working on a puzzle or art project, to help manage feelings of fear or uncertainty children might be experiencing.
“Help kids not get stuck on the negative, and focus more on what can they do now that they get to stay home. Just tap into that creativity,” Leon says.

For children ages 7-12:

For this age group, the message remains the same, with a bit more focus on remaining connected with friends and helpful with the community. Kids at this age generally have access to the internet, so the idea of using that to tap into their sense of empathy is a helpful coping mechanism. Explore with your child ways they can help others.

“Thankfully, most of us have homes with food, but there really is that whole other side of life that people aren’t aware of,” Leon says. Using the internet to get ideas to help those less fortunate will help this age group feel productive and empowered during this difficult time.

On the flip side, Leon advises that parents need to be vigilant of the amount of time kids are on social media.

“Sometimes the boundaries of being exposed to social media is so inappropriate that it’s overkill,” Leon adds, explaining encountering too much unreliable information can be a source of stress. “Make sure your child only accesses one reliable source of information before moving on to something that brings them joy and calm.”

For children ages 12-18:

Leon encourages offering teens the opportunity to do something with a purpose, instead of brooding over circumstances like canceled sport events, spring break trips and possibly prom parties and graduation dates. She suggests adolescents find a way to give back, like making friendship bracelets as a bond for these unusual circumstances.

Use this time to start something new or learning a new skill. Leon emphasizes finding a balance among the physical—that is, some kind of movement every day—emotional—such as a hobby or activity that brings joy—and spiritual—“how you connect with yourself, with a greater purpose and with others.” She suggests activities such as journaling and meditating for the latter.

Maintaining a sense of normalcy is key for all age groups, and for teens, online connectivity is key.

“The whole idea of who we are on earth is to connect, and we’re actually being asked, just physically, to disconnect. This is the one time we can take advantage of the internet,” she says, adding that TED Talks, podcasts and applications such as TikTok are great ways for teens to maintain a level of normalcy in their lives.

You May Also Like
Vinya Wine to Celebrate National No Phone Day With Miami’s Top Restaurants

Wanting restaurant guests to enjoy their meal and camaraderie with friends and family, Vinya Wine is spearheading an initiative to encourage patrons to enjoy a sip of wine with friends or family on National No Phone Day. Organized by Allegra Angelo, Vinya Wine partner and sommelier, Tuesday, April 18 has been declared No Phone Day,

Read More
W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach to Host Post Tortuga Party

The Tortuga Music Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach will bring thousands of concertgoers to the area for a weekend of live musical entertainment. The popular event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with headliners Eric Church (Friday), Shania Twain (Saturday) and Kenny Chesney (Sunday), each performing for more than 25,000 fans. However, the party

Read More
Paws Enchanted Masquerade Ball to Benefit the Humane Society of Broward County

The annual PAWS Gala benefiting the Humane Society of Broward County occurs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s theme is the “Enchanted Masquerade Ball,” presented by Spirit Airlines. Chairwomen Alyse Lemstrom and Sheryl Maher and their committee have organized the event with proceeds

Read More
Dan Marino Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month

The Dan Marino Foundation in Fort Lauderdale will celebrate the autism community with various initiatives and events during Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month throughout April. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, and adults with autism. When Dan and Claire Marino created the nonprofit in 1992, the prevalence of autism

Read More
Other Posts
Visit Lauderdale Celebrates Broward’s Cultural Diversity

Did you know Broward County is home to a rich, vibrant tapestry of cultures, with people from more than 170 countries speaking 147 languages living here? This dynamic array of diversity is not only prevalent in every corridor of the county — it’s proudly celebrated in the attractions, festivals, and food the destination offers. And

Read More
Jack & Jill Center to Host Team Pouncey Bowl for Change Fundraiser

Jack & Jill Center’s Young Professionals Network will host its annual charity bowling tournament from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Manor Lanes in Fort Lauderdale. The Team Pouncey Bowl for Change community event will feature a day of bowling, a live DJ, arcade games, a raffle, a full bar and

Read More
Gutenburg Burger Opens at Time Out Market Miami

Gutenburg Burger, a German-American burger concept, recently debuted at Time Out Market Miami, home to chef-inspired events, arts and culture, and live entertainment. Chef Jorge Kauam launched the eatery to honor Germany’s history of high-quality beef and highlight the hamburger’s proclaimed roots in his new menu.  “Our buns are a mix of a brioche and potato

Read More
Gulfstream Park Village’s Free Cone Day Returns Next Month

Gulfstream Park Village’s popular Free Cone Day will return on Wednesday, May 17 at Häagen-Dazs. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy one free mini cone or cup with the ice cream flavor of their choice. Additionally, Gulfstream Park Village Center will transform into a family-friendly village carnival with free entertainment

Read More