Many children are worried about the coronavirus (COVID-19) — the new-to-humans viral strain in the coronavirus family that affects the lungs and respiratory system. As parents, other family members, or children and youth workers, we are likely to be worried about how to keep them safe. Much of the information circulating at the moment is scary and sensationalized, and this can really upset children, especially children with disabilities and health conditions who may struggle to comprehend what they are seeing and hearing, what is true and what is false. Imagine what they are thinking when they see people fighting over toilet rolls or packets of pasta, or when someone tells them school is closed and they can’t see their friends for weeks or even months?
Here are some resources you can use to help the children in your life understand coronavirus better, as well as why things are so different at the moment. These resources can help you to explain why school is closed, as well as what you will be doing at home each day, and a prayer you can use if your family is religious. Click here to read more.