Parents, kids and conversations about COVID-19

Dr. Rachel Mitchell, child and adolescent psychiatrist, shares insight with CBC's The National on how parents can speak with their children about concerns over COVID-19.

"It’s important to validate how children are feeling," explains Dr. Mitchell. “Speak with a child at their level and use age-appropriate language. For teenagers, speak with them like an adult. For younger children, be concrete. For every age, it’s important to be open and honest and let them lead.

Dr. Mitchell also co-wrote a Globe and Mail op-ed with Dr. Gili Adler Nevo, head of the Child & Adolescent Anxiety Clinic at Michael Garron Hospital.

"Helping kids feel that they have agency through handwashing, for example, is amazing," explains Dr. Mitchell in a recent interview with CBC News, adding that providing children with information can help them feel empowered.

Find more expert tips on COVID-19 on Sunnybrook’s “Your Health Matters” blog.