We are constantly bombarded with news and talk of the Coronavirus Outbreak and our children can’t help but pick up on it. There is talk on each online platform, in the newspapers, on tv, among adults. It’s everywhere! It’s important to talk to your kids about the Coronavirus. Talking with your child, listening to their questions and feelings, praying together and helping them feel informed is much more reassuring than whatever they are hearing from their friends or seeing on social media.
When talking to your child, some things to keep in mind...
Don’t be afraid to discuss the virus.
Not talking about it can actually make children worry more.
Assess what your child knows.
Ask your child, “What have you heard about the virus?” Their answer will direct your conversation and prevent you from oversharing or giving too much information that could be too overwhelming. Do your best to answer their questions honestly and openly.
Share age-appropriate facts and correct any misinformation.
Children have very big imaginations! Think about what your child absolutely needs to know to understand the virus and what they should do about it. Refer to trusted news sources and the CDC.
Keep your own anxiety in check.
Children will look to you to see how afraid they should be.
Be reassuring.
Remind them that God is always in control; He loves and cares for them! Remind them that there are also lots of amazing grown-ups like scientists and doctors working to keep people healthy and safe.
Practice good hygiene!
The same hygiene routines that slow the spread of the Coronavirus are the same healthy habits that we practice to keep us well all year long.
• Wash your hands.
Use soap, rub your hands together while singing the “ABC Song” or Happy Birthday” twice. Rinse hands and dry completely. Do this before every meal or snack, after being out in public, after using the restroom, or sneezing or coughing into hand or blowing your nose.
• Catch a Cough
Children tend to cough or sneeze right in their hands and then go on to touch everything in sight. Make it a habit to catch a cough or a sneeze in your elbow instead of your hand.
Stick to routine as much as possible.
Children crave routine and predictability. With school closings, structured days, regular mealtimes, naps and bedtimes are important to keep in place.
Keep talking!
Make sure that your child knows that the lines of communication are always open and that they can ask you anything.
Pray together.
Talk to God about anxiety, worries and fears. He wants us to talk to Him about anything and everything! He is always there to help us.
Some Bible verses to share with your child:
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Many people are worried about Coronavirus, but this is a time to trust in GOD.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:25-26
Times of crisis are used by God to give us wisdom about the value of each day.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Fear is natural, faith is supernatural. Remember what God’s Word says,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Guard my life from the Coronavirus
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Psalm 86:3
Free Family Bible Study for Families worshipping at home
In response to this developing situation the LifeWay Kids team has created a free, temporary, at-home resource that will allow families to conduct weekly media-driven kids Bible studies at home: the LifeWay Kids at Home and LifeWay Preschool at HomeDigital Pass experiences.
Within each Digital Pass experience, families can access weekly Activity Pages, a conversation guide and a series of videos to watch and discuss. Materials include a Bible Story video, Life Application video, a kids connection video, a missions video and gospel presentation resources. New sessions will be updated weekly at midnight on Thursday nights so that families can have fresh content every weekend. Churches and families can access the LifeWay Kids at Home and LifeWay Preschool at Home Digital Pass experiences as needed any time over the next 12 weeks through the end of the Spring quarter.
To access the free LifeWay Kids at Home and LifeWay Preschool at Home resources, please have each of your families follow these three simple steps:
Step 1) Go to digitalpass.lifeway.com
Step 2) Log in or create an account (free)
Step 3) Click the LifeWay Kids (or Preschool) at Home icon on the main page of Digital Pass
The provided content is taken from current-cycle material in LifeWay’s Bible Studies for Life: Kids broadly graded curriculum for 1-6th graders. Churches using this curriculum will be able to remain on their teaching schedule. However, the LifeWay Kids at Home and LifeWay Preschool at Home Digital Pass experiences are available to any family from any church of any denomination, anywhere in the world.