Talking To Your Child About COVID-19’

The Department of Education and Training provides schools with current and practical information to support school communities to respond to COVID -19. Over the coming days I will be drawing from the following DET link, sharing helpful suggestions to support our Featherbrook College parents and carers to have reassuring conversations with their children about the Coronavirus. https://education.vic.gov.au/parents/Pages/coronavirus-advice-parents.aspx#link32

Don’t Be Afraid To Discuss COVID – 19 With Your Child

• Most children will have already heard about coronavirus. Parents and carers should take the opportunity to talk to them about the current situation.
  

• Honest and regular communication is key. Not talking about something can make children worry more.
  

• Children often rely on their friends and social media for the news. Parents and carers can help by positioning themselves as a trusted source for information and as a person who can help children with their questions.
  

• Adapt Information Depending On Your Child’s Age

• Try to remain calm and positive when talking to your child.

• Think about your child’s age. Offer information using language and examples they’ll understand.

• It’s okay if you can’t answer everything – and to say you’re not sure. Use this as an opportunity to find out information together. Being available to your child is what matters.

• Be careful not to share too much information all at once, as this may be overwhelming.

• Avoid talking in a way that could make your child feel more worried.