The coronavirus pandemic has affected one and all in many different ways. The world is at war with the virus as it has been affecting people’s health, lives, livelihoods and much more. However if we consider the ones who are most affected by this pandemic, they are definitely the children across the globe.

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The tiny tots are greatly disturbed because their outdoor activities have been limited to a great extent. They have lost many interesting things that they loved to do outdoors like playing with their pals, going to school and having so much fun together with their classmates, spending time at the playground, park, mall, playing outdoor games, practice sessions and much more.

Though some kids understand the situation and limit their activities within the four walls of their house, there are many who are too small to understand or who are tired of the restrictions bound upon them due to the on-going crisis. So, how do you make these kids understand the gravity of the situation? How do you make them stay at home and follow the instructions and practices being laid out to them because of the coronavirus pandemic?

If you, as a parent, are finding it difficult to explain to your kid about the Coronavirus Pandemic and the current situation, you are not alone.

Coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan city of China in December 2019, was declared by WHO as a pandemic on March 11, 2020 due to its alarming spread across the globe.

As of August 2020, Coronavirus also known as Covid19, has engulfed as many as 24.0 million people globally with global death toll being at more than 821,000. Out of the total cases, over 15.6 million people across the globe have recovered from the disease while many are still under its trap.

In India, so far 33, 33, 581 confirmed cases of Covid19 have been reported as of August 27, 2020 while 7, 31, 127 out of them are active cases and 25, 41, 032 have already recovered. Sadly, 60,848 people have lost their lives to this deadly disease as of now.

Though, initially there were a handful of cases reported in India, especially among people with travel history to Covid19 affected countries. However, soon the situation started worsening and getting out of control. In March 2020, the numbers of cases reported were around 1403, which suddenly shot up to a whopping 139,049 by the end of May 2020, and to 33, 33, 581 by the end August 2020. 

Despite the utmost efforts used by the government in terms of restrictions, lockdown, medical aid and much more, the number seems to surge with each passing day. The situation has been critical and it has affected one and all. However, the kids are the ones who are the worst sufferers. Here, we are discussing some of the common ways which parents can use to reassure them and tackle them calmly about the pandemic. 

Tips to use while talking to your kids about the current situation:

• Though it is good to be direct while talking with the children about the pandemic, maintaining a balance by staying calm and reassuring kids about their safety, about the medical facilities available,and the precautionary measures being taken to stay away from this deadly disease is also very important.

• Parents must not scare kids out but should convey the message with poise, assuring them that by healthy eating, taking the necessary precautions and by boosting their immune system, you can stay away from the disease.

• Moreover, if your kids are too small do not discuss such things at night as it may scare them, rather you should discuss it during the day to allow them enough time to ask questions and clear confusions and misinformation. 

• Also, for toddlers you can use the example of common flu and how it spreads through contact to make them understand the spread of covid19 via people to people contact and social distance should be maintained. As most kids experience common flu and know about it, this might make it easy for them to understand.

• However, you have to tell them that this virus is severe than common flu as there is no vaccination or proper medication available yet. But assure them that there are experts around the globe who are striving hard to find a vaccination for this deadly virus to defeat the disease.

• Explain to your kids not to be scared, rather they should be careful and follow instructions like washing hands properly and regularly for sufficient amount of time, as well as to stay at home as much as possible to limit the spread of the disease.

• Also it is important to maintain routine with the kids like eating food, going to bed and waking up at proper times so that things remain normal for them.

• With schools being closed, try to keep the kids engaged in different activities at home to break the monotony. They can be engaged with studies and homework in the morning hours, while the rest of the time can be used for fun games, money lessons and DIY activities.

• Also together you can engage in activities like gardening, cooking, learning a new hobby, doing household chores, watching a movie, connecting with family and friends by using digital media and so on.

Explain to the kids that despite the crisis caused by the coronavirus, you should be thankful to god for being safe and to be able to spend more time with family. 

Try to keep a positive attitude and teach your kids to be positive too so that they can fight the tough times with ease.