Advice to Parents - Swine Flu and Children's Fears
By Dr. Lawrence Siman
The current threat posed by flu strain H1N1 (swine flu), is unquestionably a terrible situation for families—not only for the obvious physical danger—but, in the case of children, the fears they can develop. So what can parents do about these two major challenges--one physical and the other psychological? The physical is being addressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] recommendations:
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Wash hands often (or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid close contact with others, especially people who are sick
• Stay home when sick
As the number of people with swine flu continues to increase, what can parents do to minimize their children’s fears? First, it is important for me to restate what might seem obvious—fears are a normal part of a child’s development and can increase during stressful times. Consequently, any fears that your children develop in response to the current crisis are neither unusual nor unexpected. While there are many suggestions that can be offered, here are half-a-dozen for you to consider:
• Initiate discussions focused on your child’s knowledge and feelings about what is happening. It is important and helpful for children to learn to talk about all of their feelings, including fear.
• Act sooner rather than later—don’t wait until you see changes in your child’s behavior.
• Show confidence to your children, even if you don’t feel it. Parents who—verbally or nonverbally—express anxiety or fear, or who typically overreact to problem situations, often have children who replicate the same behavior in similar situations.
• Respect your child's feelings and fears. Eliminate use of pejorative statements such as don’t be such a baby while, on the other hand, don’t ignore your child’s fear by pretending it’s not significant and/or doesn’t exist.
• Repeatedly reassure your children that they are safe and loved.
• Never forget the importance of touch. What’s more valuable than a hug? Two hugs.
