Talking to Children about Stressful Events (Coronavirus)
Many parents often wonder how to talk about with their children about stressful events in a reassuring way. It is important to remember that children look to trusted adults for guidance on how to respond in times of stressful events. If parents seem overly worried or stressed, children’s worry may at times increase. Helping children cope with worry or stress requires parents to be calm and patient.
Top four tips for parents:
1. Make time to talk & take your cues from your child.
You know your child best – let their questions be a guide to how much information you share. Some children may have many questions and others may only ask one or two questions. It’s important to provide some level of acknowledgement of their concerns and to stick to the facts when they ask questions.
2. Keep conversations age-appropriate.
Very young children may have no questions or worry and therefore there may be no need to talk with them. Early primary school children need only brief, simple information that should balance facts with reassurance. Upper primary school children may have more questions and they may need help separating what is real from rumours or thing they might be overhearing. You may want to share what schools and the community is doing to prevent germs from spreading. High School children may want to discuss the issue in more depth, and you may need to provide them honest, accurate and factual information which can help them feel a sense of control.
3. Maintain your daily routines as much as possible.
Try and keep to your child’s routine or schedule if possible, as this can be reassuring and promotes physical health. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork, and out of school activities. If they seem overwhelmed, then don’t push them too much.
4. Keep yourself as calm as possible.
Our children often pick up on our feelings of stress and worry. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed it’s important to find some strategies to keep yourself calm. Children look to us for reassurance and practising some calming strategies (relaxation, focusing on the positives as a family can be useful at this time.
If you or your child feel worried or stressed a psychologist may be able to help. At Excelsis Psychology our team are experienced and skilled in providing evidence-based care for a range of mental health services, including, anxiety and stress. If you are referred to a psychologist by your GP, you might be eligible for a Medicare rebate. You may also be eligible to receive psychology services via telehealth so that you do not need to travel to see a psychologist. Ask your psychologist or GP for details.