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Concerns over COVID-19 and all the events stemming from this virus, like school closings, can make students and families anxious.During this uncertain time, it is important to remember that students look to trusted adults for guidance on how to react to this unique,stressful event. If parents appear overly worried, student's anxiety may rise. The National Association of School Psychologists offers parents and guardians the following guidelines for talking with your student about COVID-19:

Remain calm and reassuring.

• If true, emphasize to your student that they and your family are fine.

• Let your student talk about their feelings and help reframe their concerns into the appropriate perspective.

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

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Make yourself available.

• Students may need extra attention from you and many 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.

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Avoid excessive blaming.

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

• Be aware of any comments that others are having around your family.

• You may have to explain what comments mean if they are different than the values that you have at home.

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Monitor television viewing and social media.

• Limit television viewing or access to information on the internet and through social media.

• Try to avoid watching and listening to information that might be upsetting when your student is present.

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

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

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Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.

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

• Be honest and accurate.

• Don't ignore their concerns, but rather explain that at the present moment very few people in this country are sick with COVID-19-review and model basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices.

Encourage your student to practice every day good hygiene.

• Simple steps to prevent spread of illness:

• Wash hands multiple times a day for at least 20 seconds (singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star slowly).

• Cover their mouths with a tissue when they sneeze or cough and throw away the tissue immediately, or sneeze into the bend of their elbow. Do not share food or drinks.

• Encourage your student to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly; this will help them develop a strong immune system to fight off illness.

For more full guidelines from the National Association of School Psychologist, please go to:

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/covid-19-resource-center

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