There have been some new cases emerge, and our kids may have some tricky questions. Here's some tips to help you (and them) with this...
- When talking about COVID-19 it's important to be calm and confident. Children take their cues from adults they trust.
- You don’t have to get 'all tech and scientific' – just use real terms they’ll understand. But if you’re stuck or unsure of an answer, head to the Ministry of Health's Unite Against COVID-19 website. They’ve got great information and it’s nice to be able to say that these are the same sites where the Prime Minister and Dr Ashley Bloomfield get their intel from!
- It’s important to continue to focus on the things we can do to keep ourselves healthy – washing our hands with soap for 20 seconds, drying them properly (again for 20 seconds), and coughing and sneezing into the inside of our elbow. If you’ve still got reluctant hygiene-following kids, try some of the great clips available to show the effect and even give these a try.
- Oh, and be a good role model too – lead from the front by washing and drying your hands thoroughly and coughing into the inside of your elbow.
What if my kids are particularly worried?
- Be mindful how much ‘worry’ you’re displaying, just be as cool as you can!
- These kids will have LOTS of questions. Answer them pretty matter-of-factly and in very ‘general’ terms. Drama it down. You don’t have to get the answers exactly right here. You could say "it's a pain we have new cases, but our bubble time has given all the experts time to prepare for this - new cases were expected, but this time NZ is ready."
- Keep the reassurance low key too — over-reassuring can make us think we need to be worrying more than we are!
- Listen for what information tamariki know... and what misinformation they know! Offer a fresh perspective where you can.
Anything else?
- This really is a time when we’re all in this together. Our actions can make a big difference to our family, community and nation and that’s a kind of cool united responsibility. Let your kids know that we are all ‘playing our part’ – and that they're doing a really great job.