Share

What to tell your kids about coronavirus, and how to help them stay safe

accreditation
(Photo: CDC/Unsplash)
(Photo: CDC/Unsplash)

Children are like sponges, and we're sure by now you've already been getting some queries from your children as to what exactly coronavirus is. 

Editor, author and illustrator at the US-based NPR, Malaka Gharib, has created a free to print comic strip for children, providing an age-appropriate explanation. 

Gharib used various talks and interviews by experts and condensed the information to describe coronavirus in this simple way: 

"This coronavirus is a newly discovered virus... A lot of the symptoms are similar to the flu. Most people who have gotten sick with this coronavirus have had a mild case. And there aren't a lot of cases in kids. If kids do get the virus, it tends to be very mild. Mild means not very strong." 

So if you've been wondering how to respond, her explanation is a great place to start. 

Gharib also includes detailed instructions on handwashing, sneezing etiquette and more in her comic.

Find the free resource here: Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

Wash your hands, doo doo doo doo doo doo

In Powys, Wales, pupils at Llanfaes Primary School have been taught new lyrics to the Baby Shark song. 

Apart from being the most adorable thing you'll see today, it's another awesome resource for parents to reinforce the importance of clean hands for preschool and primary school aged children. 

Watch below: 

How do I get my teen involved? 

If you're thinking about how to get your teen on board, check out this viral Tik Tok dance. It was created by Vietnamese dancer Quang Dang who was inspired by a Public Service Announcement in his country. 

While fun, Dang has included proper handwashing techniques in the dance which might be a great way to get your teen to think clean hands are cool. 

Watch below or on YouTube:

Chat back:

Share your story with Parent24. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

WhatsApp: Send messages and voicenotes to 066 010 0325

Email: Share your story with us via email at chatback @ parent24.com

Sign up for Parent24's newsletters.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE