Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Discussing Coronavirus
with Your Children
Like any tough subject, Coronavirus
they need answered. When talking with(COVID-19) can be challenging
children about coronavirus, parents
When parents feel calm and clear
for parents to talk about with theirshould find a relaxed time and place,in their own understanding, it ischildren. It is natural to want toand provide sensitive and responsive
easier to be calm and clear when“protect” children from unpleasantcaregiving while addressing theirinformation. However, young children,children’s questions and concerns. When
explaining tough topics to children.
even infants and toddlers, pick up on
parents feel calm and clear in their own
emotional changes in the family, andunderstanding, it is easier to be calm
at times assume the worst. Most children have questions
and clear when explaining tough topics to children.
Goals of Speaking with Children About Coronavirus■ Provide basic information to help children understandwhat they may be seeing and hearing about theoutbreak, and help them make sense of the changes
happening in their families, schools and neighborhoods.
■ Develop a “shared understanding” within the family
about coronavirus, what it is and is not, rememberingthat younger children are likely to look to their parents
and siblings for guidance and reassurance.
■ Reassure children that if anyone in their family becomes
sick, they will receive the medical care they need.
■ Use developmentally-appropriate explanations
tailored to your child’s age, verbal ability, and cognitive
understanding.

■ School aged children (6-12 year olds) may have a basic

Communicating with Children at Different
Developmental Levels■ The amount, type, and complexity of information
sharing is different depending on the age anddevelopmental level of each child.
■ Communication with infants and toddlers involves
communicating safety and consistency through physicalpresence and touch, and by maintaining family routinesand schedules.
■ Preschool children (3-5 year olds) are less likely tounderstand and will have had minimal exposure to thenews. Staying home, using physical distancing, andpromoting hygiene can be described as fun activities forpreschool children.

Opportunities/Activities To Engage Your Children
Preschool and early school-aged children:■ Present home isolation as an adventure (e.g., a trip toMars where their house is a spaceship and they cannot
leave). Encourage children to keep a journal about theirexperiences.
■ Encourage educational activities that promote home
isolation as an opportunity to have “school at home.”■ Use drawings or dolls and figures to explain how germs
can spread. These re-enactments can also be used todemonstrate the precautions needed to protect at-riskpopulations, such as older adults.
■ Create games or sing songs that promote healthy
hygiene habits around the household.

understanding of what the virus is and understand it isdangerous, but they may not understand why changes
in their routines are required. Assess their level ofunderstanding, and then provide further explanations
to avoid misconceptions and confusion. Be honest anddirect when answering their questions.
■ Adolescents and young adults (13 year olds +) have abroader understanding of coronavirus, but may not
fully comprehend the severity of the situation. They
are exposed to social media more frequently, and are
therefore more likely to receive inaccurate information.
Address misconceptions and ensure access to reliable
sources for up-to-date information. Be honest anddirect.

Continued

School-aged children and adolescents:■ Explain that children can help at-risk individuals (e.g.,“Grandma and Grandpa”) stay healthy by staying athome, but should maintain their communication withthem.
■ Engage in family discussions to answer children’squestions and address their concerns.
■ Promote connectivity with children’s peers throughtechnology and the internet.
All ages:■ Promote activities that include the entire family, suchas going on walks or watching movies that family
members of all ages may enjoy.
For examples of specific language to use when
explaining coronavirus to preschoolers, school-age
children, and teenagers see the CSTS Fact Sheet “Finding
the Right Words to Talk with Children and Teens about
Coronavirus.”
https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/
CSTS_FS_Finding_Right_Words_Talk_Children_Teens_Coronavirus.pdf

Additional References:
CDC, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19): Preparing
Your Family.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.
html
CDC, Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease
2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others
working with children.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/
schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
Child Mind Institute. Talking to Kids About theCoronavirus.
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-thecoronavirus/
National Association of School Psychologists. Talking
to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent
Resource.
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/
resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/
health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org