Here's how to talk to your children about COVID-19, according to experts

With classes suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 spread and everyone under strict home lockdown amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, children are facing disruptions in their education, social interaction and daily routines.

?They may not be showing it but children are facing fear and anxiety amid the pandemic, Save the Children says.

Manifestations of anxiety differ depending on the age of the child, but the child rights' organization shared some of the common reactions children show in the face of stressful situations:

• clinging onto parents or guardians
• regression to younger behavior like thumb sucking or bedwetting
• disturbances in sleeping or eating patterns
• increased crying and irritability
• becoming withdrawn or
• becoming hyperactive

?During this time, it is then important for guardians to observe and talk to their children.

Wilma Bañaga, Child Protection Advisor of Save the Children Philippines, shared exactly how to talk to kids about these strange times we are finding ourselves in.

1. Make them feel safe

It's important that children feel safe amid the crisis. According to Bañaga, guardians should be honest with their children and give them information to make them feel safe as possible.

Aside from sanitizing the home, adults should comfort the children through hugs and soothing words, and reassure them that they're there to protect them.

2. Stick to the facts and use words they can easily understand

Giving children the right information can lessen their distress, but don't overwhelm them with too much.

Listen to their questions and have an informed conversation.

According to Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, children have the right to age-appropriate information about the COVID-19 pandemic to help ease their worries and understand the reason for the community quarantine that limits their mobility.

3. Validate their feelings while reassuring them

It's important to validate the children's feelings and assure them that everyone is working together to stop the pandemic. 

Tell your children that you understand what they're feeling being stuck inside the house, but there are some fun things you can do at moment.

If they're feeling scared, assure them that everyone is helping out, and many who do get the disease also recover.

4. Keep an open line of communication with them

Aside from regularly checking on your children, it is also important to check up on what they know about COVID-19 as they may fall for sources that aren't trustworthy.

Let them know that they can always go to you should they have any questions about what's happening.

If older children wish to watch the news, Save the Children advises that you watch it together, so you can answer any questions they may have.

5. Teach them how they can help out 

Amid the pandemic, teach children what they can do: wash their hands properly, get enough sleep, practice cough etiquette and many more.

Children, said the organization, can deal with stressful situation betters if they knew what to do and how to do it.

Adults should teach them proper hygiene and how to prevent getting ill and passing the virus onto somebody else.

6. Model good hygiene and try to make it fun!

Parents and guardians can help children remember the preventive measures against COVID-19 more through fun and creative ways, whether it be a song or a dance.

You can also teach them how to sing their favorite song while washing their hands for 20 seconds!

Starting March 17, the entire Luzon has been in lockdown until April 13 to combat the spread of the COVID-19.

The Philippines, under a state of calamity since last Monday, has 552 people already infected with the disease and over 35 people dead as of Tuesday. — LA, GMA News