• Be a role model.

Children will react to and follow your reactions. They learn from your example.

• Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19.

How you discuss COVID-19 can increase or decrease your child's fear. Remind your child that your family is healthy, and you will do everything within your power to keep loved ones safe and well. Have your child express their thoughts and feelings verbally, in writing, or through art. Listen carefully and respond with truth and reassurance.

• Explain social distancing.

Children may not fully understand why they aren't allowed to be with friends during this time. Tell your child that your family is following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes social distancing (staying away from others until the risk of contracting COVID-19 is under control).

Show older children "flatten the curve" charts (click here for examples) to help them grasp the significance of social distancing. Explain that while we don't know how long it will take to "flatten the curve"/reduce the number of those infected, we know this is a critical time—we must do our part by following the guidelines of health experts.

• Demonstrate deep breathing.

Deep breathing is a valuable tool for calming the nervous system. Do breathing exercises with your children.

• Focus on the positives.

Celebrate having more family time to spend together. Make it as fun as possible. Do family projects, organize belongings, create masterpieces, sing, laugh, and go outside (if possible) to connect with nature and get needed exercise. Allow older children to connect with their friends virtually. Remember--what will stick with your child about this time is not what he/she learns but how he/she feels.

• Establish and maintain a daily routine.

Keeping a regular schedule provides a sense of control, predictability, calm, and well-being. It also helps to teach how to respect others’ need for quiet/uninterrupted time and helps children learn to distinguish between work time and play time/socialization time.

• Identify projects that might help others.

This could include: writing letters to neighbors, to those stuck alone at home, or to healthcare workers; sending positive messages over social media; or reading a favorite children’s book on a social media platform for younger children to hear.

• Offer lots of love and affection.

Enough said!

Let your children's questions guide you.

Answer their questions truthfully, but don't offer unnecessary details or facts.

Rather than avoiding the subject altogether, give your child the information that experts indicate as crucial to their well-being.

Keep explanations age-appropriate.

Often, children may not want to discuss their concerns because they are confused or don't want to worry loved ones. Younger children absorb scary information in waves. They ask questions, listen, play, and then repeat the cycle. However, children always feel more empowered if they can control some aspects of their life. A sense of control reduces fear, so help them gain control by giving them the necessary information.

• Talking to early elementary school children: Provide brief, simple information that balances the facts with appropriate reassurances that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. Give simple examples of the steps people take every day to fight germs and stay healthy, such as washing hands. Use language such as "Adults are working hard to keep you safe."

• Talking to upper elementary and early middle school children: This age group is often more vocal in asking questions about their safety and discussing the possibility of COVID-19 spreading in their area. They may need assistance separating reality from rumor/fantasy. Discuss the efforts that national, state, and community leaders are making to prevent germs from spreading.

• Talking to upper middle and high school students: Issues can be discussed in more depth. Refer them to appropriate sources of COVID-19 information. Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Engage them in decision-making about family plans, scheduling, and helping with chores at home.

For more guidance on how to talk to your child, click here!

According to the CDC, symptoms include:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of Breath

Symptoms appear within 14 days from being exposed to the disease.

For some people, the symptoms are similar to having a cold; for others, they are more severe or even life threatening. It is important to note that some carriers of COVID-19 may be asymptomatic.

Despite showing some signs of anxiety or stress such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating, most children manage well with the support of their family. Some children, however, may be at risk for more intense reactions, including severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Risk factors may include pre-existing mental health conditions, prior traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or the loss of a loved one. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if their child continues to exhibit significant behavioral changes or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks:

• Preschoolers — Bed-wetting, clingy behavior, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, behavior regression, social withdrawal

• Elementary-Age Children — Irritability, aggressiveness, clingy behavior, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, social withdrawal

• Adolescents — Sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, poor concentration