When explaining hygiene rules to children, explain them calmly, with fear and anxiety. Explaining it to children under the age of 6 through games will help them learn better.
A significant portion of people panic in the face of a scary or traumatic event. What happens during a moment of panic can sometimes be even more damaging than the trauma itself. Just like jumping from the balcony instead of taking a safe position during an earthquake...
As you know, there is a general atmosphere of panic created by the coronavirus on the world's agenda right now. People seem to be caught up in this mood in many areas of life, from the economy to grocery shopping. The bad thing is that panic is contagious, like the virus.
Children may forget what happened about the virus, but the subconscious never forgets the panic. For children, this situation can be even more effective than the virus.
HOW SHOULD WE PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THIS SITUATION?
First of all, we must start by protecting children from the news. Even though the news is prepared to inform us adults, the way the news is given, the music in the background and the images may cause children to panic.
When explaining the hygiene rules to children, explain them calmly, with fear and anxiety. Explaining it to children under the age of 6 through games will help them learn better.
Similarly, do not use words such as "virus" and "germs" for children under the age of 6. Instead, emphasize the words “dirty” and “dirt.” Because during this period, children may visualize these words as monsters in their minds.
And finally, use the expression "may make sick" instead of "may kill" because children may think that their parents or themselves may die at any moment.
Children need the feeling of trust most in this process. Remember that they are as happy and as strong as their parents.
I wish you healthy days.
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