• Example 4: Age appropriate effective communication

Communication is the main tool of expression. An age appropriate effective communication with child is the best tool to understand the status of their mental health or to educate them.

Some useful examples (collected from different reliable sources) as an easy reckoner for parents/teachers/care-givers:

Summary of the 8 useful advices according to Laura Markham, the author of parenting guide ‘Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids’ (appropriate for age-group 3-12yrs; can be adopted for the bigger age groups as well, as per their mental age and learning level)

i. Ask them what they have already heard - Always start by listening and acknowledging your child's worries.

ii. Reassure and give age-appropriate information- The main message should be "You are safe. Grownups have got this covered." And tell them, what we can all do now is to make an effort not to unwittingly transmit germs and spread the virus. If you do not know the answer to a particular question asked by them, tell them: "That's a good question. I am not sure what the answer is. But let me find out for you!" Consult an authentic source such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) or Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) without your child there, so you can frame your answer in a reassuring way, once you have the facts

iii. Turn off your TV - The news can be scary - under-10 yr olds do not need to see it.

iv. Teach Hygiene - Teach about handwashing and trying not to touch their face. But acknowledge that habits can be hard to establish. It should be regularly practiced and observed whether they are following the guidelines or not.

v. Empower kids - "Research shows that when we feel frightened or sad in response to news, it's helpful to take some kind of positive action to make things better," Encouraging children to donate money to charity, giving toys to a local hospital, or just remembering people struggling with the illness in their thoughts and prayers.

vi. Be aware that your child might well be worried that you will die- this fear can be addressed by saying: "You seem to be having a hard time lately. I know that some kids are worried about their parents, with this virus going around. I want you to know that I am taking very good care of myself ... I expect to live until I am a very old person – by then you will be all grown up and have children of your own and I will be their grandparent!"

Children's anxiety can often be expressed though bad behaviour. A good way to tackle this can be through play and laughter. "So if your child is misbehaving or seems stressed, initiate some roughhousing to get everyone laughing. Laughter changes the body chemistry, reducing stress hormones, and will help your child's fears melt away,"

vii. Work out any worry you have about this BEFORE talking with your kids - If you are panicking, it's time to refer to the best sources such as the WHO website for non-alarmist and helpful information.

vii. Make lemonade-If your child's school closes, "the idea of being cooped up endlessly with our children is daunting." Markham suggests all to treat it as an unplanned staycation.

"(M)ost parents ... say that they wish they had more time to spend as a family doing wholesome activities like cooking together or doing art or other family projects. If your family ends up spending more time at home together, why not look at this as an opportunity to strengthen and sweeten your family relationships?"