“My COVID-19 story”- A social-story on how to talk to children about COVID-19”. This story can also help teenagers and adults with disabilities too!
This story can be used to help explain the current pandemic to children, especially those with a disability, living in Eeyou Istchee. If someone you live with has trouble understanding or has difficulty with change, this story may help. It will help give information in a simple, positive and calming way.
This is a challenging time for all of us and brings with it many BIG emotions, such as anger, fear, frustration & anxiety. When these BIG emotions show up, try to focus on calming down first. This might look like taking deep breaths together, giving big hugs, drumming or listening to soothing music.
The best time to read this story is when everyone is calm. Read the story many times. By reading the story over and over again, it will help your child understand and help to calm anxiety.
The pictures will help make things more clear.
The story will help answer questions like:
- What is COVID-19?
- What can we do to stay safe?
- What can I do when daycare or school is closed?
- What will happen in the future?
This story may also bring on other questions and concerns from your child.
If you want more guidance in what you should say and how much to share, these online resources may help:
Talking to kids about COVID-19
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nfd-YGO0p_mKLD-51SZIox-NTOhM-_SK/view
How to talk to your anxious child about COVID-19
https://www.cmho.org/blog/blog-news/6519918-talking-to-your-anxious-child-about-covid-19
If you are struggling to care for your child with a disability and are followed by a rehabilitation professional or a community worker on territory, please contact him or her. If you are not followed, or you can’t reach them, please contact your local clinic for support.
Don’t wait to reach out if you need help. Caring for someone with a disability can be exhausting and hard.
With many thanks to the team who developed this social story.
Created by Benjamin Gormley with assistance from Dominique Wright, Geneva Coonishish and Jannah Loon. Illustrations used from Boardmaker, as well as with permission from Christine Sioui Wawanoloath. Layout and design by Alison Scott.