Chinese translation

Korean translation

February 28, 2020

Dear Lower School Parents,

It has been wonderful to see the students back at school. Here are a few strategies that may help as you have age-appropriate conversations with your children about the coronavirus (COVID-19). It is important to remember that our children are looking to the adults in their lives for reassurance and cues on how to react and respond.

A few strategies to have reassuring conversations with kids are:

Stay Positive: Remember to keep calm as uncertain times can be stressful for everyone. If you show anxiety or fear, your child will pick up on this and also feel nervous and afraid. Changes to their environment and routines can make them feel uneasy. Have calm, panic-free conversations. Check-in with your child about how they are feeling. Acknowledge and address their worries rather than ignore them.

Stick to the Facts: Look at the facts. Consider your child's age, ability to process information and emotions to decide how to have conversations to make sure your child understands. Let them know that Taiwan is taking strong precautions and that you are up to date on information. Discuss that not everything they hear or see is real. It can be comforting to be reminded that doctors around the world are looking for ways to address the coronavirus and to highlight the positive news as well.

Be mindful of media consumption (yours and your child's): When looking online, consider the source and fact-check. Think before you share with your child. Be mindful of how much media you are checking and how often. Try to keep a healthy balance in your daily routines and lifestyle.

Eliminate stigma: It is important to be aware of how coronavirus is explained to your children to avoid any person/group being blamed. Communicate that if someone has a cough or a fever it does not mean this person has the coronavirus.

If you notice your child is still worried or anxious, be assured that this is a normal reaction and continue having conversations. If you find that additional support is needed, please reach out to one of us.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Fisher (fisherj@tas.tw)

Michael Grande (grandem@tas.tw)

Evie Slatter (slattere@tas.tw)

Cindy Teeters (teetersc@tas.tw)