With many getting sick and some losing their lives, talking about this pandemic is difficult. So how do you talk to your kids about it.
"At this stage social distancing means you see your grandad and grandmother through Skype or any of the other features online. I think this is not the moment to do visits on the weekend with your grandparents," said Renown Physician In Chief Max Coppes.
A lot of things have changed for kids during the coronavirus pandemic, so they may have questions. Renown Children's Hospital Physician In Chief Max Coppes, or Dr. Max as he likes to be called, says there's no better time than now to talk to them. "It's important for parents on a regular basis to sit down and ask what did you hear, what are you worried about," said Dr. Max.
He recommends that parents approach kids first, instead of waiting for them to bring it up. "If they do ask though drop everything you do. sit down and talk. because 10 seconds later they might be doing something else," said Dr. Max.
He also says its important to answer their questions in a way they can identify with. "Ask them is there anything you want to hear. is there anything you want to know. I very often at an end of a discussion I will ask can if they can tell me a little bit about what they think I said," said Dr. Max.
With children under six, parents need to be especially protective as that the kids might ignore rules on social distancing. "If someone comes you hold them in your arms. You can create the necessary distance. A 2 year old doesn't understand that," said Dr. Max.
Dr. Max says no matter what the child's age be honest. You don't want to violate your child's trust. "If they ask is someone can die like their grandmother last year. I would be honest and say yes there are some people that will die," said Dr. Max.
Renown also has several videos on their website addressing the issue of coronavirus and kids.
