Talking with Kids about COVID-19

Right now many of us are under “Stay-at-Home” orders, both working at home and caring for our families. For children, conceptualizing the disruption to their routine and the buzz about Coronavirus can cause anxiety and misbehavior – which can be challenging for Moms and Dads. At Proactive MD, many of our clinicians and Patient Advocates are working to ensure that our patients have resources for their kids to support the mental health and wellness of their families as the COVID-19 outbreak continues. Here are some of our practitioners’ “Go To’s!”

Starting the conversation with Proactive MD

Coloring Guide for Children Ages 4-8
It may be a challenge for your child to understand the disruption to their daily routine. Here is an age appropriate coloring book from Proactive MD that can help explain what the Coronavirus is, and how we can keep our friends and family safe.

Teaching your children about Coronavirus

PBS: Continuing the Conversation with Kids
Providing your children with age-appropriate, calm, and correct information is key in managing worries – especially as our daily lives continue to evolve. This guide from PBS provides the framework for continuing the conversation, assuring safety, and re-enforcing healthy habits.

Brain Pop
While the outbreak can seem scary, it could also be an opportunity for your children to better understand health and wellness. This resource provides animations, games, and vocabulary to help kids learn more about Coronavirus.

Activities for Children During Quarantine

E-visit the Louvre
Transport you and your family to Paris, France by taking a digital tour of one of the most famous international museums, the Louvre.

Take a virtual field trip of the Boston Children’s Museum
Visit the Boston Children’s Museum without even leaving your living room

Join a Facebook Live Dance Party
DJ Mel in Austin, Texas, is hosting a weekly kid-friendly “Living Room Dance Party” on his Facebook page. Join the fun here! Thousands have been tuning in, so get ready for fun.

Make your own play dough
Need a recipe? Check out this one from I Heart Naptime. All you need are quart-sized bags, all-purpose flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, veggie or coconut oil, and food coloring.

Read-at-home Bingo
As your kids accomplish each reading task, they should cross off each bingo square.  Bingo game included.

Make a Fort
Put those empty Amazon boxes out in the garage or an old sheet set to good use!

Find more ideas from Parade Here.