04/07/2020
This is a confusing time for all of us. Routines have been disrupted and working from home and remote learning are the new normal for many.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Child Life Specialists have compiled these resources to help parents and caregivers navigate this uncertain time with their children. The videos, articles, and toolkits below help explain the importance of social distancing, washing hands, and other healthy habits. We hope you find this information helpful.
Videos for Kids
Coronavirus Explained! (for kids)
Dr. Michelle Dickinson explains Coronavirus by demonstrating the importance of handwashing and discussing how Coronavirus spreads in a kid-friendly way using terms like “viruses don’t have legs so they can’t walk to us.”
Time to Come In, Bear: A Children's Story About Social Distancing
This animated story created by Kim St. Lawrence and Ryan St. Lawrence explains the importance of social distancing using friendly animal animation.
Videos for Parents
DIY Child Life: Talking to children about the Coronavirus or COVID-19
Child Life Specialist Genevieve Lowry, shares tips for caregivers to help explain to children how the Coronavirus spreads and the importance of handwashing.
How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus by Massachusetts General Hospital
Gene Beresin, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital Clay Center for Healthy Young Minds provides tips on how to discuss Coronavirus with children.
Corona Virus: Parents Resource by Child Mind Institute
With schools closed and children at home anxiety is running high. The Child Mind Institute knows that parents are struggling to balance work, child care, and self-care all while keeping worries — both your children’s and you own— under control. This video offers support to help parents stay safe, sane, and supported during this troubling time.
How to Talk to Kids about the Coronavirus by Child Mind Institute
News of the Coronavirus, COVID-19 is everywhere. Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Jamie Howard, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at the Child Mind Institute shares advice in this video.
Ways to Effectively Parent During Coronavirus (Talking Brains Podcast)
COVID-19 is an event that many did not think we would see in our lifetimes. Dr. Stephanie Sarkis discusses how to effectively parent during COVID-19 and reduce the chaos that comes with adjusting to the new normal of working from home and virtual learning for kids.
Activity Books and Comics
Artist Manuela Molina, created COVIBOOK in multiple languages to support and reassure children under age 7. The author recommends printing this material to give children the freedom to draw or write on the pages.
Comic
Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
NPR put together a comic based on a story by Cory Turner, an education reporter. He asked national experts their thoughts on what kids need to know about COVID-19.
Articles
Kids Health produced several articles with information about how to talk to your child about COVID-19, what kids can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and information about kids and COVID-19 for parents.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child
Coronavirus information specific to kids for Parents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information that may be helpful for children and youth with special healthcare needs during the health emergency surrounding COVID-19.
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies
Child Life Disaster Relief provides resources and ways to help children cope with the news surrounding COVID-19 with practical techniques.
Ways to help a child cope and Practical Coping Techniques during COVID-19
Forms
The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends having medical forms ready such as medical background information in the event of an emergency. Read more and download helpful forms at the link below.
Medical Forms to have prepared for providers during an emergency
Social Stories for People with Autism
Carol’s Club offers social stories for people with autism. Join for free and access articles like “Learning How to Wash Hands Properly,” and social stories like “What is a Tragedy.”
For more information about Wentworth-Douglass Hospital response, please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates page.