Ways to prepare your children for Covid exposure at school

Ways to prepare your children for Covid exposure at school

21.11.2021

Devising contingency plans for what they should do if they, or their friends, are exposed to the coronavirus can help reassure them

Now that some kids are back in the classroom, there’s a very real possibility that they may be exposed to the coronavirus and may need to be tested — or to isolate — which can be alarming.

One of the best things you can do to prepare your child, no matter their age, is to explain that there are plans in place should someone be exposed. Here are six things you can do to help.

Clear up misinformation

First, ask children what they already know about the pandemic and the rules that the school has in place for keeping them safe, said Dr Anna Miller-Fitzwater, a clinical associate professor of paediatrics at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, US. If your own understanding of the school’s policy is different from how your child is explaining it, you might want to clarify with the school — and if there is misinformation floating around, correct it.

Devise a Plan B

If you have a young child who needs to isolate at home, figure out how you will handle it. Can you work remotely? Do you have a friend, family member or babysitter who can pitch in at the last minute and is comfortable with Covid safety protocols? Reviewing these plans with your child may help them feel secure.

Acknowledge their feelings

Children can react in a variety of ways when they come into close contact with someone who has tested positive. “Some may feel really anxious and worried, some may feel really angry with the person they think exposed them,” said Louise Dalton, a consultant clinical psychologist at the University of Oxford department of psychiatry.

Parents should “validate and normalise their child’s response”, said Michiganbased psychologist Melissa Cousino. “I often say, ‘This worry that you are feeling or this anger, it’s a normal response to the abnormal’,” she said.

Recognise frustrations

Some teenagers may feel angry and resentful if a potential third wave hits and they are forced to stay home, isolate or get tested. Talk this through in advance, pointing out that even if they’re super careful, there are going to be cases. Tell them that the only thing to do is to play by the rules.

Also understand what is most upsetting for them, and if possible, work with the school to recover the opportunity. “It may not be the worry of getting sick, it may be the worry of missing tryouts for that sports team,” said Cousino.

Don’t play the blame game

Children who test positive may end up blaming themselves or blaming other people. “Avoid language that leaves a stigma,” Miller-Fitzwater said. “Make sure they understand this wasn’t someone else’s intention.”

Maintain routines

When school is interrupted, it’s important to keep bedtimes and meal times consistent and to schedule regular exercise. Making things as predictable as possible will reassure kids and help them prepare to transition back to school. Also, ask teachers about what work needs to be accomplished while the child is out, Miller-Fitzwater said.

— THE NEW YORK TIMES