So how should we talk about COVID-19 when our kids hit us with those tricky questions? It's tough isn't it.

Here are some of our top tips for having these ongoing conversations!

  • When talking about COVID-19 it's important to be calm and confident. Children take their cues from adults they trust.
  • You don’t have to get 'all tech and scientific' – just use real terms they’ll understand. But if you’re stuck or unsure of an answer, head to the Ministry of Health's Unite Against COVID-19 website. They’ve got great information and it’s nice to be able to say that these are the same sites where Jacinda and her advisors get their intel from!
  • It’s important to continue to focus on the things we can do to keep ourselves healthy – washing our hands with soap for 20 seconds, drying them properly (again for 20 seconds), and coughing and sneezing into the inside of our elbow. If you’ve got reluctant hygiene-following kids, try some of the great clips available to show the effect and even give these a try.
  • Oh, and be a good role model too – lead from the front by washing and drying your hands thoroughly and coughing into the inside of your elbow.

What if my kids are particularly worried?

  • Be mindful how much ‘worry’ you’re displaying, just be as cool as you can!
  • These kids will have LOTS of questions. Answer them pretty matter-of-factly and in very ‘general’ terms. Drama it down. You don’t have to get the answers exactly right here.
  • Keep the reassurance low key too — over-reassuring can make us think we need to be worrying more than we are!
  • Listen for what information tamariki know... and what misinformation they know! Offer a fresh perspective where you can.

Anything else?

  • This really is a time when we’re all in this together. Our actions can make a big difference to our family, community and nation and that’s a kind of cool united responsibility. Let your kids know that we are all ‘playing our part’ – and that they're doing a really great job.