[Fredslist] Fwd: Advice for Parents on Talking to Children About Swine flu from CDC

[sfzinder at aol.com]

Gotham -for those of you who are parents - you may find the below information from the CDC interesting or helpful




Susan Zinder











Please 
share with staff


 


Advice 
for Parents on Talking to Children About Novel H1N1 Flu (Formerly Swine Flu) 
Concerns



May 2, 2009 9:00 PM ET


As a parent you know 
how hard it can be for children to understand stressful situations, such as the 
current situation of novel H1N1 flu. Stressful situations often cause children 
to worry and have many questions as to why it is happening and how it can be 
fixed. It is important to remember to take care of your health and well-being as 
well as the health of your children. If you cope with a stressful situation 
well, your children will also cope better. Your confidence and calm attitude 
will help your children ease their worries and feel safe and secure. 



Here are some helpful 
tips on what you can do for your children: 




  
Keep activities as consistent and normal as possible 
  even if your normal routine changes (due to daycare or school closures). 
  
  

Ask your children what they have heard about 
  novel H1N1 flu. Answer questions openly and honestly, at a level they can 
  understand. Be concrete and do not avoid difficult questions. (See http://www.nasponline.org/resources/Talking_With_Children_About_Flu_FINAL.pdf for more information on talking tips). 
  
  

Allow your children to express their feelings
 and 
  concerns. Let them know it is okay to be afraid or mad. Ask questions so you 
  can help them identify and cope with their feelings. 
  

Children always need to feel safe and loved. When they 
  are uncertain about situations and afraid they may need even more affection 
  and attention. 
  

Limit exposure to media and adult conversations about 
  novel H1N1 flu . If your children are watching T.V. try to watch with them or 
  make sure you are available to answer questions about what they have heard. 
  
  

As appropriate, encourage healthy behaviors: eating 
  well, sleeping well, playing outside. 
  

Use their questions as an opportunity to let them know 
  what they can do to avoid getting novel H1N1 flu. 
  



Focus on what your child 
can 
do to avoid getting 
novel H1N1 flu: 



  
Wash hands frequently with soap and 
  water for 20 seconds (long enough for children to sing the “Happy Birthday” 
  song twice). Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. 
  
  

Cough and sneeze into a tissue. (If a tissue is used, 
  throw the tissue away immediately). 
  

Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. 
  
  

Stay at least six feet away from people who are sick. 
  
  

Stay home from school if sick, and stay away from sick 
  people until they are better. 
  

In communities that have been affected by20novel H1N1 
  flu, stay away from large gathering places, for example, shopping malls, movie 
  theaters or indoor playgrounds. 



For additional 
information see:
Key facts about Novel H1N1 http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm 

Taking Care of Patients at Home http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm




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