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5 | W aterloo C hronicle | T hursday,M arch 26,2020 w aterloochronicle.ca 85 BRIDGEPORT RD. E. WATERLOO (Across from the Bridgeport Rd. Plaza) SINCE 1971 519-893-8118 MON., TUES., WED. 10 AM - 6 PM THURS., FRI. 10 AM - 8 PM SATURDAY 9 AM - 5 PM SUNDAY 12 PM - 4 PM FURNITURE & MATTRESSES SINCE 1971 ONDISCONTINUED MERCHANDISE AND SELECTED DISPLAY MODELS 60%UPTOSAVE JANUARY CLEAN SWEEP EVENT JANUARY CLEAN SWEEP EVENT MID-WINTER Comfort Plus SINCE 1971 FURNITURE & MATTRESSES 85 SPRINGAs more information comes out about the CO- VID-19 pandemic, the world might seem like a scary place. As adults, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by what we read in the news, or see in social media. Shaun Baylis, CEO of Pathstone Mental Health, said children are no differ- ent from their caregivers. They might feel anxious or have questions about what they see on television, or from conversations with friends. Here are some tips on how to have a conversation about the coronavirus and what to say to your kids. KEEP CALM It's important to stay calm because children tend to pick up on their parents' feelings. So, if you feel ner- vous or anxious, it's best to wait to have a conversation with your child until you feel calmer. "If a parent or caregiver is grounded, they will cre- ate a safe space for chil- dren to feel calm," Baylis said. "If you panic or feel anxious, children will pick up on that." BE OPEN AND HONEST; LISTEN TO THEIR QUESTIONS Baylis recommends that parents not be afraid to dis- cuss the coronavirus be- cause kids worry more when they are kept in the dark. Give them an opportuni- ty to ask lots of questions and answer each one with appropriate information. Even if you think your child might not appear to be worried, it's important to ask them how what they've heard about the vi- rus and how they are feel- ing. They may be talking about it in school. "There are a lot of big triggers and one of them might be the closure of their school as a precau- tion. That may reinforce fear and children think 'Oh, this is really serious,'" Baylis said. EXPLAIN THE TRUTH IN A CHILD-FRIENDLY WAY When it comes to ad- dressing the virus, it's im- portant to talk about what's happening and not focus on the what-ifs. Stick to the facts, and steps to take if a loved one does get sick. HELP CHILDREN TO BE PROACTIVE WITH THEIR HEALTH Remind children how they can keep themselves safe. That includes remind- ers about proper hygiene, washing hands with soap and water, sneezing or coughing into an elbow or tissue and to avoid putting their hands in their mouth or on their face. REASSURE YOUR CHILD "It's important to reas- sure a child that you're tak- ing the proper precautions to reduce any risk," Baylis said. CONTINUE HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS Encourage repeated chats about the virus and keep children up-to-date on what's happening so they can be aware and to stop the spread of misinforma- tion. A cartoon strip devel- oped by National Public Radio has been specifi- cally designed to teach children about coronavi- rus. The comic is available online at www.npr.org. Baylis explained it's a handy tool to educate chil- dren in an easy and simple way to understand. HOW DO I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT CORONAVIRUS? It's important to be open and honest when talking to kids about coronavirus. Torstar file photo SARAH FERGUSON sferguson@ niagarathisweek.com NEWS TIPS FOR HOW TO HANDLE YOUR CHILD'S QUESTIONS WE HAVE YOUR HOROSCOPE EVERY DAY WATERLOOCHRONICLE.CA/HOROSCOPE