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What To Say To Our Kids About The Coronavirus And What To Do With Them While Everyone Is At Home

Lisa Barry

University of Michigan graduate and local parenting expert Nancy Serlinhas advice on what to say to your kids about the COVID-19 pandemic.  She talked to WEMU's Lisa Barry and offers tips on overseeing their school work and keeping them calm and occupied while everyone is stuck at home.

Serlin says she thinks this is a very difficult time because we have never experienced anything like this before.

Serlin also says we need to explain to our kids what is going on in terms they can understand according to their age.

“Don’t scare them.  Be as calm as you can,” Serlin says. “Kids pick up on any of your hysteria or how scared you are, because it spreads so quickly, and assure them that we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves.”

Serlin also says it’s important for parents to establish routine and structure for their children, especially when doing school work.

“Kids feel safer when they know where the parameters are,” she says.

For younger kids, Serlin also suggests having some craft materials around and suggests they make cards for seniors.

She also says it is important for kids to stay connected during a time like this and avoid isolation.

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu

Lisa Barry was a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU.
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