With stories about infectious diseases like the flu, Ebola, and Enterovirus D68 in conversations and on the news, your children may be worried about becoming sick. Here are some tips about how to talk about these illnesses:<\/p>\n
Be informed:<\/strong> Consider your child\u2019s age, maturity level, and coping style:<\/strong> Use these guidelines to help have a conversation (or two) about the topic:<\/strong> Use our conversation starters to help you initiate a conversation with your child:<\/strong><\/p>\n Consider simply asking your children about the illness or disease you want to discuss. Use what your children tell you to clear up misunderstandings and answer any questions they have. Possible questions include: Remain calm and confident:<\/strong>
\nGet accurate information about the illness from reliable sources, including:
\nUS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
\nWorld Health Organization (who.int)
\nArlington County Public Health Division (http:\/\/health.arlingtonva.us\/public-health\/)
\nEnsure that you are ready to answer children\u2019s questions. Print information to readily answer questions.<\/p>\n
\nGenerally, younger children need more reassurance and want to be told that they are safe. Older children are more ready for information and may ask questions.
\nLike adults, children handle information differently: some children need more information to deal with issues, while others worry more if they have a lot of information.
\nAdjust the information you share to your child\u2019s personality and needs, using words they understand.<\/p>\n
\nAsk your children what they have already heard and understand about the disease. Ask them what other information they would like, correct any misinformation.
\nBe factual and honest. Help children understand the differences between common illnesses, like colds, that they may catch and the rare diseases that may be talked about in the news.
\nIf you are unsure of an answer, explain to your child that you don\u2019t know. If it is still of interest, offer to look up the answer for them, or, if they are old enough and interested, help them look it up themselves.
\nUse the conversation as a chance to teach caring for others who may be having a hard time. You might also use this as an opportunity to talk about bullying and ways to prevent it.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCan you tell me what you\u2019ve heard about _______?\u201d
\n\u201cHas ______ been mentioned at school?\u201d
\n\u201cYou\u2019ve probably noticed that ________has been mentioned a lot lately. Do you want to talk about it?\u201d
\nUse books, movies, or television to help start a conversation:<\/strong>
\nRead a book with your child where a character becomes ill, like \u201cKatie Woo Has the Flu\u201d, \u201cGerms Are Not for Sharing\u201d, or \u201cA Germ\u2019s Journey\u201d to help start a conversation about illness.
\nBring up the topic if a news show or movie mentions an illness when your children are in the room. You could even plan a movie night a way to initiate a discussion. For example, watch PBS\u2019s \u201cFrontline: Ebola Outbreak\u201d with your older teenager and discuss infectious diseases afterwards.
\nUse websites like http:\/\/www.childrennow.org\/index.php\/learn\/talking_with_kids\/ and http:\/\/kidshealth.org\/parent to help you plan more conversation starters.<\/p>\n
\nYour children notice your attitude. If you act nervous or fearful, your children will copy this behavior. Don\u2019t just tell children they \u201cshouldn\u2019t worry.\u201d Rather, support them as they learn to overcome their fears.
\nRehearse the conversation with a friend or spouse to help you remain calm and focused when you talk to your children.<\/p>\n