Discussing coronavirus with children

Date Published: 
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Duration: 
00:01
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Nicola Woollaston discusses how to talk to children about  COVID-19, strategies to diffuse anxiety for different age groups, and ideas that can be implemented in homes to create calm and supportive environments.

 

Topics:

  • Infants and toddlers - supporting this age group and their parents.
  • Pre-schoolers - how to explain things to this age group?
  • Explaining COVID-19 to younger school aged child (6-12 years).
  • Youth and young adults.
  • Techniques to help children manage stress and worry.
  • Managing the transition between lockdown and back to educational facilities.

 

Take home messages

  • Keep it simple.
  • When it comes to COVID-19 ask children what they know.
  • Routines are important.
  • Give back some control for kids who feel overwhelmed.
  • The power of positive touch.

 

Resources

 

Presenter

Nicola Woollaston
Registered teacher, certified child life specialist

Nicola Woollaston is a registered teacher, a certified child life specialist and a registered hospital play specialist.  Team Leader of the Hospital Play Service at Starship Hospital and president of the Hospital Play Specialist Association Aotearoa/NZ.  She has 4 children at home and is very aware of the stressors and challenges of balancing work, children and living in uncertainty.

 

 

 

Recognition of Learning Activities

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