How to Talk to Children about COVID19

1. Be calm and reassuring

Children react to what you say and how you say it. They will notice if you sound calm or if you sound worried, both when talking to them and talking with others.

2. Make time to listen and to talk

Let them know you have time to listen to their questions and fears.

3. Don’t make assumptions about people who have COVID19

Help children understand that when people get sick it’s not because they did something bad, or because they are a part of a particular race or ethnic group.

4. Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online

Limit the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information can cause stress.

5. Provide information that is honest and accurate

Give children information that is true and appropriate for their age. Explain to them that some things they hear may not be true.

6. Assure children that grownups are working hard to keep them safe

Make sure children know that adults are working hard to keep people from getting sick and help sick people get better. Children can help by following healthy habits.

What does this look like in action? Click here to read how one parent talked about this tough subject with their children.


These tips were adapted from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a government agency responsible for keeping people in the USA safe and healthy.

Proud Moments

Well-done spelling tests, math quizzes, and book reports adorn the refrigerators of proud family members and caretakers all over Flint. The kids in your care have many non-school achievements, and you can show pride in those as well!

Prep It

You just need a few materials to proudly celebrate children’s achievements:

  • Paper- the back of envelopes, junk mail, anything you can write on
  • Writing utensil- marker, pen, crayon

Play It

Sit down together and talk about things children have achieved lately that you’re proud of.

For example, “I’m really proud of you for being resilient and learning how to ride a bike even though it took a lot of practice,” or “I’m really proud of you for being responsible and choosing to do your homework before you play video games.”

Write these down on the paper, throw a big A+ or smiley face on them, and hang them up on the fridge!

Invite the kids to tell you what they’re proud of in themselves too. You might learn a lot about who they are when you’re not around.

Wouldn’t you love to hear, “I’m really proud of myself because I was nice to the bully in class, even though they’re not nice to me”? The PEP team sure would!

Enjoy these special moments together!

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