As the 2020/2021 school year looms on the horizon, your kids may soon have to receive a COVID test (if they haven’t already). And for some, that might seem pretty scary.
To help you navigate the test for your little one and to help calm their fears, Jennifer Roady, supervisor of child life services at Children’s Health, provided some thoughts and tips.
BE CALM
First, Roady says it’s important for you to remain calm. If Mom is calm, kiddo will be calm. If Mom is worked up … you get the picture.
BE PREPARED
Second, prepare yourself. Roady suggests gathering information from reliable sources such as the CDC and local health departments. “Both can provide information about COVID-19 and testing. Knowing you have accurate information can help calm fears.”
EXPLAIN THE PROCESS
Third, explain to your kids what they can expect during the testing. Roady says with younger kids, it’s best to give them accurate information along with a brief description. “You can describe the process in simple steps such as: 1) We are going to the doctor, 2) At the doctor, you are going to sit on my lap, and I’m going to give you a big hug, 3) A nurse wearing a gown and special mask will put a cotton swab in your nose and wiggle it around a little bit.”
TELL THEM THE TEST IS FOR THEIR HEALTH
Fourth, ensure your child knows they’re not in trouble. Instead, Roady suggests that you tell them the test is important to make sure their body is healthy. “Even if the test hurts briefly, it’s going to help them.”
PICK AGE-APPROPRIATE INFORMATION
Fifth and finally, choose the information you provide according to their age. “Younger children don’t need to know all the details of COVID-19, [but] you can discuss things more in-depth with [older kids],” Roady says.
Image courtesy of iStock.
