Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious. While we don’t know where and to what extent the disease may spread here in Northern Ireland, we do know that it is contagious, that the severity of illness can vary from individual to individual, and that there are steps we can take to prevent the spread of infection. Helping children cope with anxiety requires providing accurate prevention information and facts without causing undue alarm. 

In a world where young people receive so much information via social media, it is very important that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to this time. Parents here are some guidelines as you seek to disciple your children in regards to Covid-19 and your child’s response to it. 

Remain calm and reassuring. 

• Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions. 

• What you say and do about COVID-19, current prevention efforts, and related events can either increase or decrease your children’s anxiety. 

• Remind them that you are there to look after them. More than that, remind them in terms of final outcome, we have no fear because of Christ’s victory at Calvary.

• Let your children talk about their feelings and help reframe their concerns into a biblical perspective. 

Make yourself available. 

• Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions. 

• It is important that they know they have someone who will listen to them; make time for them. 

• Tell them you love them and give them plenty of affection. 

Avoid excessive blaming. 

•  When tensions are high, sometimes we try to blame someone. 

•  It is important to avoid stereotyping any one group of people as responsible for the virus. 

• As Christians we know a number of things, first that God is in complete working all things for His glory and our good; and second we know that Covid-19 doesn’t have the final word, Jesus does. Remember our revelation series… THE LAMB WINS!

Monitor television viewing and social media. 

• Limit television viewing or access to information on the Internet and through social media. Try to avoid watching or listening to information that might be upsetting when your children are present. 

• Speak to your child about how many stories about COVID-19 on the Internet may be based on rumors and inaccurate information. 

• Talk to your child about factual information of this disease—this can help reduce anxiety. 

• Constantly watching updates on the status of COVID-19 can increase anxiety — avoid this. 

• Be aware that developmentally inappropriate information (i.e., information designed for adults) can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. 

• Engage your child in games or other interesting activities instead. 

• Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible. 

• Keep to a regular schedule, as this can be reassuring and promotes physical health. 

• Encourage your children to keep up with their schoolwork. 

Be honest and accurate. 

•  In the absence of factual information, children often imagine situations far worse than reality. 

• Don’t ignore their concerns, but rather explain that at the present moment very few people in this country are sick with COVID-19.

Keep Explanations Age Appropriate ,

•  Early primary school children need brief, simple information that should balance COVID-19 facts with appropriate reassurances that their homes are safe and that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. 

• Older primary school and junior high school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what will happen if COVID-19 comes to their community. They may need assistance separating reality from rumor and fantasy. Discuss the efforts of leaders, schools and churches.

• GCSE and A level students are able to discuss the issue in a more in-depth (adult-like) fashion and can be referred directly to appropriate sources of COVID-19 facts. Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Having such knowledge can help them feel a sense of control. 

• No matter what age, there are opportunities to point your child beyond themselves and their family to the One who loves them and cares for them best, their Father in Heaven.  

By Alex Richardson (Discipleship Worker)