Explain the Pandemic to Children with These 3 Ways

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to people of productive age, especially parents. Besides economic problems and health threats, they also complain about the hassle of accompanying children who are studying from home. But that does not mean children have no complaints of their own. 

Do we adults care about the thoughts and feelings of children in the middle of this unusual world situation? How should we explain the pandemic to them?

Sit Down and Talk with Children

Not going to school every day, not worshiping at church every Sunday, or not going out with the family would certainly feel strange for children. Suddenly they have to stay at home all day. Learning, relaxing, and worshiping are all done at home. In fact, they are not even free to play with their peers in the neighborhood. Children must be confused: what is happening?

Rather than letting them get unclear or wrong information from outsiders, it is better for parents to sit down with their children and talk about it. Ask what the child knows about this situation. Listen carefully, and give a good response as a sign that we are paying attention to what he or she is saying.

The purposes in a person’s heart are like deep waters, but one who has understanding draws them out. – Proverbs 20:5

This is the right opportunity to build closeness with children, namely when they are losing many freedoms and have to adapt to a new routine. Besides that, parents can also correct a child’s mistaken understanding about the pandemic. The sooner this preventive step is taken, the better.

It may be that a child is gripped by fear after hearing bad news about coronavirus from other adults. Perhaps the child is confused about why he or she has to wear a mask, while there are people walking around without one. Or perhaps the child feels jealous about having to stay at home while a cousin can still come over and play with other children.

We will know these things and handle them well if we are willing to make time for them. Be parents who are wise in drawing out what is in a child’s heart.

Explain It in Simple Language

Great curiosity is a natural trait of children. Be thankful if your child comes and asks you questions. That means he or she sees you as a trustworthy source of knowledge. Therefore, never ignore or scold a child who asks many questions. If you are busy, ask for time to answer later. However, remember to keep that promise, so the child does not lose trust in you. 

Explain the meaning of a pandemic in simple language according to the child’s understanding. Answer their questions sufficiently. There is no need to explain scientifically the origin or impact of the coronavirus, because the child will not fully understand it. Do not let our explanation only add to the child’s confusion. 

To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law, though I myself am not under the law, so that I might win those under the law. – 1 Corinthians 9:20

The Apostle Paul always tried to adapt himself to the people he was evangelizing. His goal was that they would find it easier to interact with him and receive well what he said. We as parents should also adapt ourselves to our children. The way of conveying information to a teenager is certainly different from the way it is conveyed to a toddler. Verbal explanations will be effective for teenagers, but not for toddlers. 

If the child is too young to understand writing or complicated speech, try downloading cartoon pictures about the corona, virus, then explain what they mean. Colorful picture messages will make the child more interested in listening to you, and will help him or her understand the topic of the pandemic without excessive fear. “Coronavirus likes dirty hands, you know…. So, so that it does not want to come near you, wash your hands often, okay.” 

Surely, you will feel calmer and happier seeing that the child no longer complains when asked to wash hands with soap under running water.

Assure Children, God Is Greater

The spread of the COVID-19 outbreak has “forced” people to change, and many are not ready to face it. We have difficulty earning a living in the usual way, lose income, find it hard to travel, and are afraid of being infected by the virus. Not rarely, we complain because of it.

In the middle of all that anxiety, perhaps we forget that children are not exempt from the effects of the pandemic. From usually being free to meet friends and run around in the schoolyard, they have to be content playing at home. They cannot go to church every Sunday or go on vacation. All day at home, it is not impossible that children accidentally hear their parents complain about how heavy life’s burdens are right now. 

Parents, take time to refresh your children’s minds. Open the Word and tell of God’s mighty power when He helped His people through various problems and sufferings. Tell them that we will be enabled to get through these difficult times. That the pandemic is happening not because God does not care about us, but because He has a purpose and plan behind all this.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Invite your child to pray together. Ask him or her to tell God about his or her feelings and hopes. Assure the child that God is powerful and stronger than any threat of any virus. He is able to protect and accompany us from danger. What we need to do is keep following the government’s advice to maintain our health. The rest, leave to God.

Everyone is affected by the pandemic, including children. Parents play a major role in preparing children to face and get through these difficult times well. Talk with your child to know what is in his or her heart, convey clearly the information they need to know, and encourage the child to keep hoping in God. May our children continue to rejoice in all things. Amen!

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