A Coronavirus Guide for Parents and Kids
This is a guide for parents to learn the facts about coronavirus, how to stay safe, and the tips and resources you need for talking to your kids about COVID-19. My article originally appeared on Family Education.
Regardless of where you live and how old your children are, if you are a parent, it is completely valid and natural to have concerns about the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. With breaking news by the hour and panic and fear spreading, it is important for everyone to follow the facts. More importantly, as parents, it’s essential to model healthy behaviors, make smart decisions, and talk openly with our children about age-appropriate details and healthy practices. Use this guide to the coronavirus for parents to learn the facts about the virus, how to stay safe, and the tips and resources you need for talking to your kids about COVID-19.
What is the coronavirus?
“The coronavirus” has been called a novel coronavirus because it is new and has been previously unidentified. COVID-19 is the specific virus that we are hearing about via the news and social media right now. There are other kinds of coronaviruses that have been regular parts of all of our lives for quite some time. The ones we have experienced before the COVID-19 outbreak were mild and related more to the common cold.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe. The most common reported symptoms include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear anywhere from two to fourteen days after exposure. Some people barely experience any symptoms which makes it easy for them to pass it along to others.
When should I call my doctor?
According to the CDC, call your doctor if you or a family member develop symptoms and have been in contact with a person known to have COVID-19, OR if you or a family member has recently traveled to an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
How is this coronavirus affecting children specifically?
The good news is that children appear to be the group of people who are least affected by this virus. Most confirmed cases have occurred in adults. When symptoms have been reported in children, they are typically mild. Severe complications like septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome are uncommon. As with all age groups though, children with underlying conditions can be at increased risk for severe infections.
Is it safe to continue to breastfeed my child if I contract the virus or if I am exposed to it?
According to the National Perinatal Association, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. That said, there is still much that is unknown related to COVID-19 so this decision should be made by families in conjunction with their health care providers. Breastfeeding mothers should take good care to not pass along germs to their children by washing hands thoroughly and by wearing masks. If possible, it would be ideal for someone well to feed infants expressed milk.
How can we protect ourselves from COVID-19?
According to the World Health Organization:
- Wash your hands frequently. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
- Maintain social distancing. Keep at least three feet between your family and anyone coughing or sneezing. People at higher risk should also avoid crowds, stay home as much as possible, and avoid non-essential travel and cruise ships.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Children will need extra reminders for this one.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze. If possible, cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of the tissues immediately after.
- Stay informed and follow the advice of medical professionals.
What resources are available to share with my children to help them understand what is going on with the coronavirus?
- This BrainPop video on Youtube explains the coronavirus to kids.
- PBS shares videos, games, and apps with their signature characters to help explain germs and how they spread to young children.
- NPR has shared this comic in both English and Chinese for older kids to help them understand the facts about the coronavirus.
