Tips for Parents

All the news about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) can be concerning for families and students. Here are some tips to help address your child’s social and emotional needs:

Try to keep routines as normal as possible.
Create time to listen to and talk with your child. Be honest with your child and share with them as much information as they are developmentally able to process.
- You can use this video to explain social distancing
Reassure children that adults at home and school are working to take care of their health and safety. If they have concerns, they should talk to an adult they trust.
Remind children that most people will not get (COVID-19) coronavirus. School and health officials are being especially careful to make sure as few people as possible get sick.
Limit the amount of exposure to television and social media regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Remind your child to treat everyone with respect and not jump to conclusions about who may or may not have COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
If your child seems distressed about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), please reach out to your school counselor, nurse, or social worker for support.
Additional resources to provide emotional support to children:
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Talking to Children About Coronavirus (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
- Podcast for families is designed to help children and grown-ups practice their social-emotional skills. Each episode tells a story that’s amazing, fantastical, and maybe a little bananas, while it tackles the big feelings that come with growing up.