WATCH: Six tips for explaining the coronavirus to children

Knowing just how much to tell your kids about coronavirus without scaring them might be a fine line you're trying to tread as South African schools are closed by presidential decree, due to the pandemic. 

The US-based Child Mind Institute are experts in family mental health, and here the NPO provides six tips from its experts on how you can go about tackling the tough topic with your children. 

• Coronavirus: Is it safe to take your kids to daycare, and other questions parents ask
• Coronavirus: Will South African schools be closing, and what will that mean to parents?
• What to tell your kids about coronavirus, and how to help them stay safe

Watch the video below for more: 

Here's a quick look at their advice: 

1. Don't be afraid to talk about the coronavirus with your children.

2. Let your children ask you what they want to know instead of overwhelming them with information. 

3. Encourage your child to be open about their feelings about the coronavirus.

4. Deal with your own anxiety and fears about the coronavirus before talking to your children.

5. Stick to routines as much as possible to distract them from the uncertainty caused by coronavirus.

6. Highlight proactive steps like hygiene and etiquette to help them feel empowered. 

Compiled for Parent24 by Lesley-Anne Johannes

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