COVID-19
How should I talk to my child about COVID-19?
Advice first published at 6:35pm on 23 March 2020
You can help your child by remaining calm and reassuring them. Listen to your child and answer their questions as honestly as possible and correct and misunderstandings. This will help them feel informed and understand what is happening.
Stay up to date with the facts from reliable sources so you can keep conversations calm, considered, and constructive. Provide information in words that are appropriate to the age of your child.
Children can be distressed by hearing repeated stories so monitor how much your child is being exposed to television and social media and encourage them to talk to you about what they are seeing and hearing.
Some practical advice
Advice first published at 6:35pm on 23 March 2020
Some practical advice for your child includes reminding them to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze (coughing into their elbow is a useful strategy), keep their hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth before washing their hands. These are easy habits for children to adopt, and should help them feel as though they're able to exert some control over their circumstances.
If your child must stay home, it is important that your child maintain a healthy lifestyle including proper diet, sleep, and social contact at home and by email and phone with family and friends.
Where can I get help?
Advice first published at 6:35pm on 23 March 2020
Contact the school if you are concerned about your child's wellbeing to discuss the most appropriate support.
You can also:
call the National Coronavirus Health information line (1800 020 080)
* go to the NSW health COVID-19 website for the latest information and advice
www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus
* talk to your local GP or Community Health Centre.
Additional support services include:
* the school counselling service
* Kids helpline - 1800 55 1800 - www.kidshelpline.com.au
* Headspace - 1800 650 890 - www.headspace.org.au
* Parent Helpline - 1300 1300 52
* Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
* Lifeline - 13 11 14
Last updated 3 March 2020