Melbourne parents’ advice on how to talk to children about coronavirus
Bare shelves, alarming news reports and schools shutting; it’s a lot for children to take in. How are they handling it? These parents explain how they approached the sensitive topic, with one using Thomas the Tank Engine as a strategy.
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Australian families are being bombarded with fresh information about new lockdown restrictions every day as coronavirus cases continue to soar in Australia and around the world.
But how are parents unpacking the raft of information and passing it on to their children without causing alarm?
Leader spoke to a group of mothers about how they’re handling the unfolding crisis and approaching the sensitive topic with their little ones.
ALERT NOT ALARMED
Bundoora mother Maria Ligerakis said discussing the COVID-19 pandemic to her nine and six-year-old daughters and five-year-old son was a “tough task”.
But she said an “alert, not alarmed” approach had worked wonders for her.
“Obviously parents should be aware of the health crisis and the risks associated, but be calm about it when discussing this with kids,” she said.
“Chaos is contagious and carries over — children feel it.
“I used very simple terms and broke it down step-by-step — this is what is happening now, this is why we can’t go outside and this is what is likely if we don’t practice hygiene.”
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CARTOON LINKS
Natalie Geary said a “hero versus villain” approach was the way to go.
The South Morang mother said she told her three-year-old son coronavirus germs were the villains, and people were the heroes.
“We’re teaching him hygiene and making a game out of that, making sure he washes his hands for 20 seconds otherwise he can’t fight the germs,” Ms Geary said.
“I’m constantly telling Samuel he needs to eat healthy and keep a fit, healthy body just like a superhero, so then he can fight the germs.
“He loves Thomas the Tank Engine, so I told him ‘Thomas needs to wash his wheels otherwise he stays in the shed on Sodor’.
“I think at that age it is very important to be as basic as possible, and linking back to cartoons is a way they can remember the information and advice you tell them.”
SHOW DON’T TELL
Mill Park mother Suruchi Gupta said her three-year-old son was asking many questions and would often plead to visit the local playground.
So Ms Gupta drove Ayann to the empty playground and explained why no body was playing there.
“I told him there could be germs, it was shutdown and no one was allowed,” she said.
“He understood after seeing that no one was actually there at the playground.”
While Ms Gupta was teaching Ayann hygiene practices every day at home, she also recommended having a medical professional explain the consequences to children.
“At the start of this outbreak we took Ayann to the doctor and had the doctor explain why hygiene is important and what happens if you don’t wash your hands properly or follow other hygiene practices,” she said.
“We have taken Ayann to Woolworths and he has been exposed to all the bare shelves, so he knows something is going on.
“It’s important for children to learn from real-world examples.”
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS KEY
The mothers who spoke to Leader said they would continue to take their children to childcare, saying isolation would be detrimental.
“They need a sense of normality,” Ms Geary said.
“We are a bit conflicted and torn on whether to send him or not but as much as I want to protect his physical health, his mental health is key too — I don’t want my little boy to be depressed.”
The agricultural scientist who was working from home, and was also looking after a 10-week-old baby boy, said hygiene in daycare was crucial.
“At Kool Kidz in Mill Park they have a hand sanitiser station at every single door — their hygiene practices are stringent and I trust them,” Ms Geary said.
“At least for now my boy still has others to mix with — it’s so important on an emotional and social level.”
Ms Gupta echoed those views.
“I’ve noticed in my friendship circle kids are struggling with the isolation,” she said.
“Whereas at least when I’m sending Ayann to daycare he is getting at least two days a week of social interaction.”