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Things to consider when talking to children about coronavirus

Kids find comfort in talking to their parents
Posted at 10:40 PM, Mar 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-18 23:40:13-04

The coronavirus has impacted millions, one of the biggest areas being our school systems, causing parents to create a new routine for their children. With constant news circulation and easy access to the internet, local counselors are encouraging parents to get ahead of it all and talk to their children.

"They trust the parents, they want to hear what they have to say. From a 10-15-year-old, you're going to have a different tone and be able to be a little more forthright," said professional counselor Katie Hicks.

Depending on the age of the child, determines the amount of information they can handle. A lot of children are piecing together information about what they've heard from someone else.

"I heard it started in China," said 8th grader Robin London. "It made its way here to airports and stuff. It can only kill old people and babies."

Local counselors believe this is the perfect time to open the door to conversations and allow children to express their concerns and questions.

"It's a delicate little balance. It's a hard thing to do because they are trying to learn what's real and what's not real. So, the more you can use the appropriate language the better," said Hicks.