As the reality of staying home begins to hit for many children, and the realisiation that this is not in fact an extended holiday (much as we are trying to make it fun!), the ‘why’ questions become more frequent. But just how do you explain what’s going on in the world right now, without causing fear, confusion and anxiety?
The general advice is that you definitely SHOULD talk to them about what’s going on. It’s in the news, parents are talking about it, their routine has changed and everyone is now staying at home. Why? They will be wondering what it all means and they might be worried for themselves and loved ones.
We’ve put together some useful resources that might help you answer some of the ‘why’ questions in a child friendly way.
The British Psychological Society have produced a guide on the importance of talking to children about Coronavirus and what it best to say.
Child Therapist Sophie Marsh has written a lovely short story called ‘The Stay Home Superheroes’. You can download a PDF version here; Stay Home Superheroes We read it it to our preschooler last night and he loved it. It helped him to make sense of why we need to stay at home.