Talking with Young Children During Challenging Circumstances

As we adults are adjusting to our newfound daily living circumstance, our children are needing to adjust to this new normal as well. Even the youngest students in our communities may have questions about the sudden change in their daily schedule, why they aren’t going to school, or even why people are getting sick. It can be difficult to know how to answer their questions accurately without adding a sense of fear or stress. Here are some common questions with some possible answers:

·         “Why can’t I go to school?”

I know you must really miss seeing your friends and teachers everyday. Right now everyone needs to stay healthy by staying home together.

·         “When can I go back to school?”

The teachers will open the school as soon as they can.

·         “Why do we have to stay home so much?”

Lots of fun places where we used to go are closed right now. We can have fun taking walks and playing outside.

·         “Why are people getting sick?”

Some people are getting a virus. There are lots of doctors and nurses that are helping people to feel better.

·         “Will you get sick?”

Everyone gets sick sometimes. There are doctors and nurses that will help us to feel better, and (name some other family members) will take good care of you.

·         “Will I get sick?”

Everyone gets sick sometimes. We are lucky that we have doctors and nurses to help us if we get sick. You also have a family that loves you and will take good care of you.