Are You Talking to Your Kids About Swine Flu?by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 01 May 2009 11:57 PM Numerous schools in our area have closed due to the swine flu outbreak, and I've been thinking about the parents who have had to scramble to secure childcare for their students. My daughter is young and doesn't attend school, so I didn't have to explain why classes were temporarily cancelled. Unfortunately, I wasn't completely out of the woods. Last night while I was watching the news and making dinner, I heard: "Swine flu, swine flu, all they talk about is swine flu." I turned around to see my exasperated daughter staring at the TV with her hands placed firmly on her hips. So much for skipping the lecture on mysterious biological events. Here I thought I could hold off on the infectious diseases talk. Wrong. So how does one explain to a young child about an illness the Center for Disease Control doesn't even have a firm grasp on? One word: GOOGLE. Yes, like a 21st century lemming, I googled "swine flu," and the results didn't disappoint. I was amazed by how many child psychologists have been consulted about explaining the illness to youngsters. As the number of confirmed cases of swine flu increases, so it seems, does the number of mental health experts willing to provide tips on how to calm children's fears about the disease. I found the most helpful advice on USAToday.com. The site features some good tips on how to broach the topic, including: Tip #1-Be Honest Leading child experts recommend you get your facts straight before initiating a conversation about the flu with your kids. What's more, be cognizant that some times kids are too scared to approach you about their fears. According child psychologists, it's best to share the facts with your kids so they don't come up with their own explanations that are much more frightening than the truth. Tip #2-Keep it Simple Don't get into a two-hour lecture about swine flu. Instead, experts recommend you keep your explanations short and simple. Start by asking your kids what they know and what they're concerned about. Then, the experts suggest saying something like: "Some people have gotten sick with a flu you get from contact with someone who has it. Mom and Dad are going to make sure you're safe. We'll take care of you." Tip #3-Modify Explanations for Teens Experts say most teens display a "false bravado" when it comes to illnesses. It's important to address basic facts with them and address their concerns in an age appropriate manner. Translation: Remind them to wash their hands and avoid contact with sick people. Have you talked to your kids about swine flu? What tactics did you employ? Related Articles: Reasons I am glad we homeschool: Swine Flu Driving the Family Germ-mobile Why Parents Should Say "NO" to the Real Life "Wonder Pets" Can You Tell When Your Child is Faking It? Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantparenting tags User Comments mjf_114 (5) 03 May 2009 08:27 PMMy oldest daughter is fascinated by microorganisms, and she's been intrigued by this real-life model of how disease spreads. For her it's like an experiment you can hear about in the news. My youngest daughter is a nearly neurotic germaphobe. She demands we wash our hands and Purell on like a 30 minute cycle so we don't all get swine flu. You have to talk to them about it, because even if you homeschool it's inescapable. Love what the article said about reassuring them--especially as it looks like this one is going to blow over. Lately I've been so impressed I need to tell my girls both the bad news and the good. The bad news is that we live in a world that is desperately fallen. Things will go wrong and people will act like idiots. The good news is they can make a difference in that world. They can be a light. And if it all falls apart they still have someone to talk to. And the other good news involves Lysol and Germ-X!!! Send Lunchbox Notes. www.Devotionables.com  Michele Cheplic (37339) 04 May 2009 06:26 AMThanks for the comment MJF114, I'm all about Lysol and Clorox disfincting wipes as well! Discuss this article
|
Parents categories |
