HOW TO TALK TO YOUR STUDENTS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS
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Every time you turn on the news or read an online article, you are hit with the latest about the Coronavirus. With this flurry of information, it has begun to have an impact on our students. Even my teenage daughters have posed some poignant questions about their own safety and fears. So, I thought it might be helpful to share some potential responses to their very real concerns. To assist me with this, I’ve invited local therapist Kelsey Haka, who specializes in working with children and youth, to share her insights.
Speaking to preschoolers
Most children at this age are not aware of the virus, but if they bring it up ask what they have heard before offering up information. This will guide your response.
Be aware of your emotions. They are watching your tone and facial expressions closely and will often mimic what they see from you.
Speaking to elementary students
It is okay to ask if they have heard about the virus, but let them guide the conversation. If they seem interested, have a conversation. If they don’t seem interested, just say you are available if they ever become curious.
Describe what a virus is in a simple way. For example, “A virus is when one family member gets sick and is around another family member who then gets sick with the same thing.”
Validate their emotions without silver lining their fear. We provide comfort through validating their experience, even if our instinct is to rescue them from feeling scared.
Offer hope. Say something like, “This virus is new, but doctors from all over the world are working hard to find a way to keep people healthy.”
Speaking to middle school and high school students
More than likely they have heard about the virus. Let them lead the conversation, but you can have a more information-guided conversation.
Allow them to be the expert of talking about their experience with the virus. Be mindful to not initially offer up too much detail about what you know about the virus or challenge what they are saying they know about the virus. You may have to make sure they have accurate facts about the virus, but it is important that they feel like they have a voice first.
Validate emotions and offer hope similar to what was mentioned earlier.
Encourage them to know how to take precautions surrounding health right now.
I hope these thoughts are helpful and can guide your conversations as the need arises. If you are interested in learning more about Kelsey and her practice, you can find her here.
Wash your hands, and stay healthy friends!
:) Brandy