Lots of things have changed as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. All of the best private schools have closed their doors and embraced remote learning programs. Staying home means staying safe, but it can be tough for your school-age kids to understand why. Here are a few tips to help you explain social distancing to your kids.

Find Out Everything Your Children Know Already

With so much news coverage and near-instantaneous access to information, it's likely that your children already know at least a few things about the COVID-19 virus. To gauge what the tone of your conversation should be, start by asking your child what they already know. Older kids in middle school or high school probably know a little bit more and can handle a serious conversation. Younger kids, especially those in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school may require a little bit more guidance on the subject. Once you have an idea of how much your child knows, you can let them take the lead. They may have a lot of questions about why they need to stay home or why they haven't seen grandma and grandpa. Answer their questions honestly. If they don't have any questions, you can touch base and maybe have a longer conversation another time. The important thing is to keep checking in.

Offer Comfort While Being Honest

We're in the midst of a pandemic, it's a scary time for both children and adults. That's why it's so important to offer comfort to your children in this strange time. That being said, it's also important, to be honest. Give kids space to share their fears, and share yours with them, too. Explain that yes, it's scary how many people are getting sick, but you have a home to be safe in and it's important to remember that. Gratitude is an excellent tool to use in these instances. And if your child asks questions about washing hands or stores closing, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for up-to-date, reliable information. Giving your children facts to rely on can help explain the importance of social distancing for all age ranges.

Help Your Child Feel in Control

There's so much we can't control right now. From the best private schools closing their doors to the weather, it can be overwhelming to think about. For children, that overwhelming feeling can turn into fear. That's why it's important to help your child focus on what they can control. They might not be able to see grandpa, grandma, or their friends in person, but they're only a phone call or a video chat away. If your child has access to that technology, they can call their friends whenever they want to stay in touch!

When only 4% of the best private schools report student apathy as a problem, it can seem like your children are handling their sudden lifestyle changes pretty well. Make sure you dig a little deeper and explain just how important it is to stay safe during this strange time.