(1)Avoid appearing pessimistic in front of children.
1. Take a deep breath from time to time to keep calm.
2. Try to find the bright side of things.
(2)Listen to your own feelings and your child’s.
1. Don't deny any feelings—accept them all.
2. Listen to you child and say,“It’s natural to feel that way,”without criticizing those feelings.
(3)Be sure to correct your child's mistaken thoughts and beliefs.
1. If your children have wrong ideas about themselves or the disease, give them correct knowledge and information.
2. Explain to your child that people who get infected are neither "weak" nor "bad.” Also be considerate of people who have to work outside.
(4)Believe you child’s resilience – the growth power inside to overcome the tough situation. It may be a sign of resilience for your child to ask the same question again and again.
1. Parents do not always need to know the correct answer. Invite your child to look for the answer together with you.
2. Enjoy the same communication by giving the same answer so your child can get reassurance.
(5)Give him/her something to keep beside them so that they can feel at ease if you can’t stay with your child; for example, plush toys, a favorite camera, picture books, letters or voice recordings from someone they love.
(6)Tell your child that he/she is not alone
1. Give the child contact information to reach parents and other trusted persons, including mail addresses and SNS information.
2. Let your child know that he/she is a part of the world and many people are struggling together in this crisis.
(7)Be careful not to expose your child to lengthy TV coverage of serious problems.
Set a fixed time to turn off the TV. Watch entertainment programs rather than the news.
(8)Parents should relax by taking a time to be alone and by venting complaints.
"Taking a breather" or “easing up” is important. It is OK to have a time to be alone, but not to get isolated.