Ministry of Education

Making yourself available- covid19 information

• Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.

• Making time for them will let them know they have someone who will listen to them.

• Tell them you love them and give them plenty of affection.

You know your children best. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. However, don’t avoid giving them the information that health experts identify as critical to ensuring your children’s health.

Children and young people do not always talk about their concerns readily, so they need your patience. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or work. It is very typical for younger children to ask a few questions, return to playing, then come back to ask more questions. Often they will ask the same questions again and again as they try to make sense of things – keep your answers simple, truthful and age appropriate. Children will be reassured by your consistent responses.

When sharing information, try to provide facts without promoting a high level of stress, remind children that adults are working to address this concern, and give children actions they can take to protect themselves.