Kansas Talking with Children about Coronavirus Poster

Talking with Children and Adolescents About COVID-19
Everyone is talking about the coronavirus (COVID-19) right now, from the news to social media to the 
grocery store. You can be assured that your kids have been hearing lots of information, \
and not all of it 
accurate. Below are some tips on talking to your kids about the pandemic\
 in a calm and reassuring way. 	
It’s important to TALK with your children about COVID-19.  
They already know something about it, but what they know or have heard c\
ould 
be causing them fear or stress. ASK them what they have heard and how they 
are feeling. LISTEN to them. Be prepared to answer questions, providing \
only 
recent and accurate information:
•  Kansas Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 Resource Center: 
http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm 
•  CDC Coronavirus resource page:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/index.html
TALK about what happens if someone in your family gets sick. 
Most children and adolescents want to talk about things that cause them \
stress, 
so let them!
REASSURE them that it is okay to feel scared or angry.  
Focus on the things that can help keep your family safe, such as this  How to 
Protect Yourself information sheet from the CDC. Create a plan together for what 
will happen if someone in your family does get sick. Share with your chi\
ld things 
you do to reduce your stress. They will enjoy learning from you, and you could do 
these activities together.
Create and follow a ROUTINE.  
Children find consistency and structure calming during times of uncertainty .  
Establish meal times, bed time, and times for both learning and fun acti\
vities.  
Create opportunities to purposely limit exposure to news and social medi\
a - 
constant reminders of COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Make sure to include\
 
time for play into your ROUTINE!
Be a ROLE MODEL.  
Take breaks. Have fun. Take care of your own mental health. Stay connected 
with friends and family. ACCEPT and ASK for help – you are not in this alone! If 
you are unsure of where to start, call the Parent Helpline at 1-800-CHIL\
DREN.  
This is a free, anonymous information and referral service for Kansans. \
Helpline 
staff can provide support with parenting skills, child development, behavior 
management, mental health, legal concerns and provide information about \
available programs and services for free.	
For more information, visit  kdheks.gov/coronavirus