What should you tell your kids about the Novel Coronavirus outbreak

The Novel Coronavirus has been declared a public health emergency by the WHO (World Health Organisation) and in the lack of uncertainty and confusion, any news about the outbreak can worry families. With all the news about coronavirus going around, it is quite possible that your kid comes up and asks you questions about the same.

In such a sensitive time, it is important that you explain to your kids the ground reality, safeguard their health without really scaring them. If you are wondering how to have this conversation with your kids, here is an explainer:

The first priority as parents is to keep your kids well informed about what is going on. Do not simply shun the talk away and say that nothing dangerous or absurd is going to affect them.

Be upfront, honest and tell them what is really going on. Remember, as parents, while your top focus is to keep your kids in the best shape, you cannot be with them all the time to ensure that.

Like with any mishappenings, events or outbreaks which happen on a big level, the important thing to know is that you have to be completely honest with your kids and tell them what is happening. So, when your child curiously asks you about the novel Coronavirus outbreak, tell them that it is a viral infection which can affect humans.

However, before you do that, make sure you are well-informed of what's happening and are in a position to tell them the same in the most finite manner. This is not the time to spread rumours or misinformation. As their prime guardian, kids are going to run to you to get some reassurance and will pick up on your emotions. Hence, do not be anxious, be well-informed and give them assuring information. Using the right words will help you as a family.

Also, do not scare away your child and shun off their questions about the outbreak. Answer your kid's queries to all possible extent. Do not tell them that it is an issue which concerns just the "adults in the house" and not the kids. The more you push them away, the more they are going to be scared.

Keep their age in mind while discussing the issue. You should be careful with the words you use and see how your child processes the information. Teach smaller kids the precautionary measures and the basic information. For adolescent kids and teenagers, who probably know some information beforehand, attend to their worry, ask them what they feel about the same and then share what you think.

Since Coronavirus outbreak has also been responsible for a lot of deaths, it is quite possible that your kid questions you about the same. In such a sensitive case, rather than beating around the bush, be okay with using big words like "death", "dying" or "mortality". Remember, the more you run around the topic, your kids are bound to get confused.

Coronavirus outbreak, like any big news, is a lot to take in for kids and chances are they can get anxious, worried or scared. While this is normal, as parents, you should keep an eye on your child to ensure it does not impact them negatively. Check on their sleep patterns or if they show any difference in behaviour.

It is also the time when you should be reminding your kids about the importance of practising personal hygiene and self-care. Tell them to practice good sanitary practices all the time as this would help cut off and prevent root symptoms right from the start. Whether they are in school, home, playing in the ground or engaged in some activity, these checks should be a must:

-Tell your children to wash hands frequently, as much as possible. Make sure they are doing it right so the germs wash off.

-Tell them to always cover their mouth, nose when they are coughing and sneezing. If they are around someone who shows symptoms, try and keep them away from danger.

-Disinfect and sanitise common areas and the surfaces touched by kids often- for example, the study table, doorknobs, phones, television screens and furniture.

-As a base rule, ensure that your child's immunity is high. Feed them plenty of vitamin-C and antioxidant-rich foods, fruits and vegetables.