Embedded Files
Adults and children alike have questions about the coronavirus pandemic, especially because of the ongoing fast-paced nature of the changes we are experiencing. Having accurate and up-to-date information about the virus is important, so please consult the CDC website for the latest information.
Adults and children alike have questions about the coronavirus pandemic, especially because of the ongoing fast-paced nature of the changes we are experiencing. Having accurate and up-to-date information about the virus is important, so please consult the CDC website for the latest information.
Helping Kids Cope with Changes Due to COVID-19
Helping Kids Cope with Changes Due to COVID-19
It feels like things are changing in our country and in the world due to COVID-19. Our "new normal" is changing all the time. Our children are looking to their adults to gauge how they should be reacting to everything that's going on. There are steps we can take to help our kids remain as calm, empowered, and optimistic as possible.
It feels like things are changing in our country and in the world due to COVID-19. Our "new normal" is changing all the time. Our children are looking to their adults to gauge how they should be reacting to everything that's going on. There are steps we can take to help our kids remain as calm, empowered, and optimistic as possible.
The National Association of School Psychologists offers some helpful suggestions for how to support children during these uncertain times on their website (here), and I've listed some below. Please see their website for more ideas.
The National Association of School Psychologists offers some helpful suggestions for how to support children during these uncertain times on their website (here), and I've listed some below. Please see their website for more ideas.
Be a role model in how you react to current stressors. Kids will watch how you talk and act about the coronavirus situation to decide what their own reaction should be. If your kids see you acting calm, they're more likely to feel calm, too.
Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19, and how what you say will affect your kids' feelings of safety.
Explain social distancing - what it is and why experts recommend it - so kids understand why they're not at school or seeing friends and family.
Focus on finding the positives. Now you may be able to find time for family activities or projects that have been put off. Take time to have fun!
Identify ways that kids can help others. Making a difference for other people can make kids (and adults!) feel more in control and positive in this very uncertain situation.
BrainPop
BrainPop
BrainPop is a fun and engaging teaching tool for elementary school-aged kids that uses videos, games, quizzes, reading, and more to keep them engaged while learning about a huge variety of topics. The goal of their lesson on the coronavirus is to help kids learn about the virus while also reminding them of what they can do to keep safe and healthy. The site is offering 30 days of free access to their entire site to anyone being impacted by school closures.
Child Mind Institute
Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to supporting families and children struggling with mental health and learning disorders. In addition to their main focus, they have an enormous number of articles to address common parenting concerns for all families. Their page of resources for navigating COVID-19 offers support to children and to the adults in their lives.
Their resource page is also offered in Spanish.
Here are some more resources you might find helpful in explaining the Coronavirus to members of your family:
Here are some more resources you might find helpful in explaining the Coronavirus to members of your family:
How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus, an article from Harvard Medical School
Talking to Teens/Tweens about Coronavirus, an article from The New York Times
Talking to Children About Coronavirus: A Parent Resource, an article from the National Association of School Psychologists
CDC Guidelines for Talking About COVID 19 with children
Dealing with COVID-19 – Resources for Special Educators, Therapists, and Families
Social Story about Coronavirus for people with Autism – Printable social story about COVID1
Corona Virus Social Story – The Autism Educator
Page updated
Report abuse