Coronavirus Concerns Great Hearts counselor provides tips on talking to kids about COVID-19 By Connor Dziawura
T
hese are uncertain times for many. The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing COVID-19, or coronavirus, situation a pandemic. Local and state governments have declared it an emergency, urging public gathering places to close. Many businesses are shuttered or have reduced hours. But how does one react when they’re just a child, hearing potentially worrisome information from others but not understanding the situation at hand? Emily Obenshain is a school counselor and crisis support for Great Hearts, a network of tuition-free public schools that is working to make parents aware of how they can help children deal with the large amount of information to which they may be exposed. “Within our counseling department, we do our very best to support our students in all aspects,” Obenshain says. “We do that within the school communities, and right now home is kind of their school community, if you will, and their learning environment. They’re home with families, and we just want to make sure we’re always working to bridge that connection and keep consistent communication flow with parents between home and school and ensure that we’re supporting them at all times.” So, the school published to its website an article, “How to talk to your kids about COVID-19,” on March 18. In the article, Great Hearts Director of School Counseling Lauren Katz suggests validating children’s feelings, making them aware of others and being reassuring but honest. Obenshain elaborates on the subject, first suggesting that parents check their own feelings so they can properly initiate dialogue with their kids. Children pick up on their parents’ behaviors, she says. “One of the first things we talk about is just checking in with yourself and your own feelings, as an adult—because this can be a very anxiety-ridden time for all of us, not just children—and to notice any feelings that parents are having themselves, whether it’s anxiety or whatnot, and taking time to connect with others and engage in any kind of calming
activity before speaking to your children,” Obenshain explains. It’s important to initiate dialogue regarding COVID-19. Obenshain feels parents should listen, validate their children’s feelings and show empathy, while giving them an outlet to express themselves. Being open and honest is honest is important, as overlooking the situation can instill more worry than it would otherwise. “Being aware of the virus is really important,” Obenshain explains. “Just making sure that it’s communicated in a way that they also feel that maybe they’re having a say in it (is important). “So, helping them understand the role that they’re playing—a positive role they’re playing in making sure that they’re healthy, helping others stay healthy in terms of educating them about hygiene, making sure that they understand the importance of washing hands and covering our mouths when we cough, and how this is not only helping them but helping others in their community and neighborhood as well.” With so much information surfacing at any given moment via social media and television, however, Obenshain recommends monitoring or even limiting these technology usages by children. “There is so much information out there and it’s not all factual,” she explains. “So, one suggestion is having the parents access that
information and then making sure that they’re delivering it to their students in an age-appropriate way and developmentally appropriate way so that they’re processing it at the level that they need, because it can be overwhelming and overstimulating for students to sort through.” And because many adults and children are stuck at home, Obenshain says it’s important for people to maintain some semblance of structure in their day, through routine and schedule. Th is means keeping to set mealtimes, bedtimes and other activities like studying and recess, but allowing kids the flexibility to adjust and have some control. “With all of this uncertainty, the days look a little bit different,” she says. “But routine and schedule and understanding what comes next can help reinforce some of that normalcy and can help mitigate some uncertain feelings as well.” For additional information on talking to children about COVID-19, check out the Great Hearts article at greatheartsamerica. org/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-covid-19. School officials are also still working within regular business hours.
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