7 tips for talking to your kids about Ebola
NEW YORK (WABC) -- For parents with young children, this local case has created the special challenge of talking with kids about this dangerous disease.
"If I could keep him in a bubble everyday I would do that," said Marie John, a mother.
But of course at a certain point a child may ask about Ebola and that can be a difficult discussion to have.
Dr. Allison Baker is a child psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute and for starters, she says your child can take the lead.
"When asking how to talk to our kids about Ebola, don't unless they're asking a question and bringing it up first," Dr. Baker said.
So while it may very much be on your mind, Ebola may not be something your child even thinks about.
But if a young, school-age child does bring it up there is a helpful tip.
"You should ask them first what they've heard, what their fears may be. Listen to them and engage in a dialogue about it," Dr. Baker said.
Answer questions with simple explanation and emphasize safety, that your child is safe and that their friends and family are safe too.
But images can be scary, so consider limiting exposure.
And if your child gets anxious or shuts down, it's okay to intervene.
"It's more helpful to validate that they may be afraid or that the image might be a little bit scary, but at the same time you can provide reassurance and good information about how minimal the risk is in spite of the fright or the fear that cane come with that kind of imagery," Dr. Baker.
And parents, you may want to check in with yourself. If you're anxious, your child will sense that.
So before you have any talks with your child, ground yourself. If a parent is overly anxious, your child will sense that.
"Anxiety can be contagious so therefore when we equip ourselves with information it can help our anxiety and it can help our children cope," Dr. Baker said.
MORE WITH DR. BAKER ON HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN:
