The outbreak of COVID-19 has a huge impact on any of us. To some parents, it is quite difficult to make kids understand COVID-19 and how this pandemic has changed our daily routine.
On February, we were shocked by the news of the first COVID-19 case in Malaysia. That was where the outbreak began and the number of cases kept on increasing ever since. Not long after that, the government made an announcement of implementation of control movement order as a step to flatten the curve.
During control movement order, business were asked to hold their operations, people were not allowed to go out unless for important matter and school as well as high institution were closed for months. Long story short, today, through the cooperation of the government and Malaysian citizens who were religiously abiding the law, we are almost successful on fighting the virus.
Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Kids
Though we are now more relaxed where almost every business including theme park are allowed to run and schools have started their session, it is still advisable to stay at home and need to follow the standard operating procedure whenever we are going out.
We are required to clean our hands frequently and to put on mask whenever we are outside. People are also need to practice social distancing at least one meter away off each other. With the new norm, one of the most affected groups is the children.
Without realizing it, COVID-19 has actually impacted the kids psychologically. Their daily life has now changed to new routines. They are not allowed to easily explore things as before. No more touching and simulations as well as social support.
Going to school will not be the same as there is new standard operation procedure that needed to be followed. Their childhood is disrupted.
Some children might as well experience worrying and develop anxiety. Like the adults, they too are afraid to die. Hence they begin to be extra cautious. The worries stem not only from the sense to protect themselves, but they are also afraid if the virus would contact anyone that they are close with.
COVID-19: How To Make Your Kids Understand?
COVID-19 is the world pandemic and no one could deny how worrying it is. Hence, some parents are trying their best to avoid talking about it in front of the children fearing it might worry them. But this is not right. Every parent owes an explanation of this pandemic to their children. Children have every right to know about how serious this virus is.
Explaining the world condition to them will not only build empathy, but as well as trust between the parents and the children. To make your kids understand about COVID-19 will make them realise how important their role is in the society. But of course, the explanation needs to be done appropriately for them to not take it wrongly.
1. Acknowledge their concern
Once you are done with your explanation about COVID-19, kids will start to show their concern. They will start to worry and feel scared of the virus. Though this is what most parents are afraid of, do not dismiss their feeling. Like us adults, it is normal for kids to feel worry.
Dismissing their feelings will only lead to more serious anxiety. What you as a parent could do is to acknowledge their feeling first. Tell them it is okay to feel scared but don’t let them stay for too long.
Explain to them how everyone is trying to fight the tiny virus and we human could win the war if we follow all the standard operation procedure set by the government. This way your children will understand the importance to keep cleaning and why everyone is wearing a mask.
2. Balancing the news
Being transparent to your kids does not mean you have to pour everything out. During this technology advancement, there are so many rumors from unreliable resources resurface. Exposing your children with this kind of news will make the young mind misinterpret the real situation which later frightens them. Try to balance out the news and only present your children with news from reliable media.
3. Make them feel safe
During this hard time, it is important to ensure your kids that they are still in the safe hand. Explain to them as the things are getting better now, it is safe for them to go out as long as they are in full protection. Encourage cleanliness whenever they are and ensure to always put on mask. Spare a bottle of hand sanitizer for each of them and use it frequently. To make it more interesting, you may want to buy them face mask with their favorite cartoon design for them to wear it proudly.
5. Avoid fear mongering
Though you want your children to feel safe, please avoid fear mongering. It will only make the situation worse and eventually your children might develop anxiety. It is okay to explain how awful the current situation is to make them understand but never instill fear in them.
Kids, COVID-19 and New Normal
As things are slowly getting back to normal now, people are adapting the new normal into the normal routine. To make your kids fully understand about COVID-19 and new normal might cost a little effort.
Try to avoid the sudden change. For example, some kids may find it uncomfortable to wear the mask. As for the start, try to train them to wear it for half an hour when you are bringing them out to make them learn the rhythm.
Eventually, your children will start to get used to it and may want to voluntarily wear the mask before you could even ask. You might always want to remind them to wash their hands over and over again specially during meal time. Always monitor the steps to ensure they are cleaning their hand thoroughly.
Everyone is facing a hard time during this pandemic. Some have lost their job and some is struggling to pay the bills. As for our kids, they are trying their best to understand and adapt the new changes of their routine. As their parents, all we could do is to learn their shoes and enlighten them.