Share this record
The Coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on family life. Children are having to face situations that can be confusing and perhaps scary at times. It is important that the adults supporting them can talk about what is happening. Children need facts that are age appropriate and they also need reassurance so that they feel happy and safe.
Talking to your child about Coronavirus
What is a virus?
Children are curious and they can take in a lot even when we don't think they are listening! They are surrounded by news stories and adults talking about Coronavirus. They will want to know facts and they will also want reassurance. How you talk to your child is important.
There are lots of resources to help you answer the questions about the virus in an age appropriate way.
Coronavirus: Keep it simple, stick to facts - how parents should tell kids
With the number of coronavirus patients rising around the world, children are being exposed to information and misinformation from many sources. How can parents best keep them up to date without terrifying them? Source: BBC News
How to talk to your child about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - 8 tips to help comfort and protect children.
Tips for Families: Coronavirus
I'm feeling scared
Being scared is something we all feel. During this crisis families are facing lots of challenges and children will pick up on the stresses adults around them are feeling. It's important to reassure children and ensure they are feeling happy and safe.
Childline: Feeling anxious about Coronavirus
Coronavirus has had a big impact on children's education and social life. Tips and advice on how young people can navigate through this unprecedented situation
Talking to children about-coronavirus
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Kids worry more when they're kept in the dark
National Association of School Psychologists
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
If your child is worried or anxious about coronavirus Young Minds Parents Helpline experts’ have lots of advice on what you can do.
Covid-19: Information for young people
Advice and sources of information from the Association for Young People's Health.
Let's change channel
It's important that children understand what's going on around them but it's also important that you limit the amount of grown-up tv they see.
There are lots of fun resources that can help children understand in an age appropriate way.
Video on the importance of washing our hands.
Information video on Coronavirus for primary age children.
Information video on Coronavirus for older children/adults (WHO)
This lovely story on the Early Years Story Book website, is to help explain Coronavirus to children and to assure them that everything will be okay. There are activities to do to.
There are some useful videos explaining coronavirus and talking about why handwashing is so important.
How about a story?
Storytime can be a good time to talk about how your child is feeling and answer any questions they have. Talking about a story can help adult and child make sense of what is going on around them.
Coronavirus - A book for children
Free information book explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler. For children 5 to 9 year olds.
A short book about Coronavirus for children under 7 years.
Coronavirus Story for children
A comic exploring coronavirus to help young people understand.
Winnie and Wilbur Stay at Home
Great for Winnie the Witch fans. The brilliant Korky Paul has produced a book for lockdown: “Winnie and Wilbur Stay at Home”