Tips on how to handle the coronavirus as a family

Content sourced with thanks from Thabile Nursery School.

1. Parents need to manage our own anxiety first - like on a plane put on your own oxygen mask first
2. We need to ask what do our children know about the virus- show the pepper and soap video that explains how soap. It is very visual for children. Ask the children if they have any questions. Children need to know that children do get the virus but because their lungs are really strong they get better quicker. We have to try and protect older people.

3. Don’t be dishonest with children – tell them we are staying at home to help all the people in our community. Trying to stop it spreading. We all need to wash our hands often. Show them how to wash their hands remind them about the pepper video. Only answer questions they ask, don’t give them too much information.
4. Focus on the fun you can have as a family, play games, exercise together and do breathing exercises together. Get lots of sleep.
5. Let small children draw how they are feeling and older children can write a story.
6. Let they also play out how they are feeling with dolls and Lego. Play is the child’s way of expressing how they feel. LISTEN to what they are saying.
7. Let children talk about how they are feeling, its ok to be angry or disappointed about holidays that have to be cancelled. Remember small children will have tantrums – put them on your lap and have time in until they feel better.
8. Go outside and exercise together fresh air is good for you all.