Communicating with Children/Teenagers About Covid
Your children may understandably be concerned or worried by what they see, read or hear in the news or online regarding coronavirus. As a parent or carer, it’s good to talk to them honestly and calmly about what is happening. You don’t have to have all the answers, but a gentle conversation can reassure them.
We’ve gathered some resources to help support you and your children with these conversations.
This key worker guidance and family support package has been produced to help key worker parents and carers facing the additional pressure of having difficult conversations with their children and families on their role a a key worker. The podcast and supporting information will support you to frame your conversation appropriately to the age of your children, help you choose the best time to talk with your children about your role and explain to them why you’re still working when other parents might be at home.
CAMHS Dorset is adapting as the Coronavirus impacts our daily lives, with resources to provide support, advice and guidance for parents/carers, children, young people and professionals.
Supporting children and young people with worries about COVID-19 – this booklet contains loads of advice on looking after yourself as well as detailed support on how to talk with your child, whatever their age. It also has links to a large range of other publications, video and audio clips.
The British Psychological Society has produced advice on how best to communicate with children from 0 – 13+, taking into account how their view and reaction to the situation will differ according to their age. They have also published specific Advice for key worker parents – helping your child adapt to changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Talking to your children about Coronavirus.
