Q. My eight-year-old son has become afraid for us and for himself when we leave the house to run errands or go to work. He doesn’t want to come with us because he is concerned that he might “get it.” What can we do to assure him that we are doing our best to keep him safe?

Panelist Mike Daniels kicked off the discussion by urging the parents to encourage their son to tell them what he knows about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to ask them any questions he may have.

“Respond to the boy’s questions, but with information that is appropriate for his age, without editorializing,” Daniels said.

“There is no need to go into a lot of detail. When you’ve finished with the questions, back up your answers with what the family is doing to be safe,” said Daniels.

Giving the eight-year-old something to do so he feels more in control was suggested by panelists Wanda Mercado-Arroyo and Chad Stefanyak. They said keeping the youngster involved in activities related to protecting the family, such as wiping down food from the grocery store, or keeping track of face masks, would help him feel safer.

Mercado-Arroyo also suggested making his activities fun, or turning them into a game.

The panelists discussed the negative effects on children of media coverage of the pandemic.

“Kids should be spared exposure to television and radio news, as well as information on internet devices,” Pam Wallace said, adding, “Family entertainment should not center around programs about Covid-19.”

Even casual comments, such as “This thing will never be over,” or “It’s never going to get better,” can reinforce a child’s fear, panelist Denise Continenza said.

“Stop the comments,” Daniels urged, “especially the complaints.” Daniels said he wasn’t just talking about parents or family members or the media.

Daniels mentioned a recent encounter with a woman in a shop. “The minute I walked in she started non-stop complaining. Kids pick up on these kinds of encounters, as well.”

An online resource: www.childrenfirst.org, offers advice on managing children’s fears during the pandemic. Among its recommendations is for adults to manage their own anxiety so children can observe positive coping skills, and letting their children know it is OK for them to talk about their emotions. They need to be heard and validated.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist, Denise Continenza, extension educator; Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, educator and former school administrator; and Chad Stefanyak, school counselor.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.