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Here’s How You Can Help Your Child Cope with Covid-19

Apr 01, 2020

Image: Makchic

Adults are worried about the impact of Covid-19, not just on themselves, but also their kids.
Children who have to stay home, cannot go to school, cannot see and play with their friends, and may experience distress.

Some parents might even be struggling to help their kids adapt to spending long hours indoors during the Movement Control Order.

Image: Unsplash

Dr. Norazlin Kamal Nor, a paediatrician and lecturer at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center reminds parents to consider the following to help children get a better understanding about what’s going on right now:

1. Communicate with your kids about the importance of the MCO and Covid-19

Image: UCSF

Focus on helping you child feel safe, but at the same time be truthful. If your child asks about something and you don't know the answer, just say so. Speak calmly and reassuringly and give them their space to share their fears.

They could be wondering whether they could be next, and what could happen to them. You could explain to them that children don't seem to get as sick as adults.

2. Talk about current events with your kids often

Image: Thinkstock

Watch the news with your kids so you can filter what they hear and also point out the correct sites to use online. Explain to them that Covid-19 has nothing to do with the way someone looks, where they are from or what language they speak. It will also be useful to look for stories of people who actually work to try and stop the outbreak, to put a more positive spin on things for your children.

3. Model good personal hygiene, and try to make it fun

Image: Harian Metro

Come up with a 20-second song for washing hands. Give them points and praise for regular hand washing, you could also make a game to see how few times we can touch our faces, with a reward for the least number of touches.

4. Keep a routine 

Image: Popsugar

Make a schedule for you and your child which includes time for structured activities as well as free time. Children can also help plan the routine for the day like making a school timetable. They will follow this plan better if they help make it.