Discussing COVID-19 With Young School Children

Many schools working to reopen and provide in-person learning are facing a bumpy ride. Some are forced to re-close due to COVID-19 flare-ups among students and staff. Sudden changes in plans — going from remote learning to in-person and back — are frustrating for parents and teachers, but they can also be disorienting for children.

To find out more about how best to discuss these issues with young people, WFDD's David Ford spoke with Wake Forest Baptist's Dr. Linda Nicolotti who's with pediatrics and behavioral health.

Interview Highlights

On how to talk to children about abrupt school closings and reopenings:

Certainly the unknown and unpredictable occurrences are something that we've all had to deal with. And I think parents should prepare their kids for that possibility that this is the plan at present, but that plan can change to keep people safe as necessary. And if it changes, it'll be temporary. And we may not know how long changes will last.

For example, if kids go back to school, will there be a stay-at-home mandate at some point that will then bring them back home? I think parents can prepare kids for that possibility. As we all know that cases are rising right now and some students are already making those decisions. But just kind of staying in the present. Here's what we're doing now. Here's what's good about it. If there are challenging things about it, let's come up with a plan to help you with that. 

On words of encouragement to offer to young children during this time:

I think another thing that is hopeful for a lot of people right now is the news that there have been a couple of vaccines that have been developed that are appearing to be very effective, and that it sounds like it [they] will be rolled out within the next several months. And so I think parents can also talk to their children about that, that things might be tough and unpredictable right now, but in the future, it's looking brighter because the experts have developed these vaccines. They seem to be very effective. And so next school year might look very different than this school year. 

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This transcript was lightly edited for clarity.