Coronavirus is affecting us all. The world’s children are vulnerable to getting sick, living in quarantine or possibly being separated from their families. In the U.S. alone, 30 million children who rely on school for both learning and meals are at great risk. Your donation today can help Save the Children and our partner No Kid Hungry make sure schools and community programs have the support they need. 

5 Tips to Help Grandparents Stay Connected with their Grandkids, Despite Social Distancing

The Coronavirus is disproportionally affecting older adults. As a result, many children now find themselves separated from their grandparents due to social distancing or cautionary measures to prevent their grandparents’ possible exposure to the virus.  This sudden change in their normal routine and a lack of in-person contact with their grandparents can cause anxiety, stress and confusion among children. 

Our psychosocial and education experts offer these helpful tips for grandparents on how to talk to their grandchildren about this separation.  They also suggest ways to stay engaged during these challenging times.

1. Be Honest. Explain that the virus affects older people differently than children. The virus is more likely to spread when people are together in the same place. By not seeing them, it helps protect you from getting the virus and getting sick.
   
2. Let them know this is only temporary. You will be able to be spend time with each other again once the spread of the virus has slowed down or ceased.
3. Validate their feelings. Reassure them that it is okay to miss you, and invite them to share their feelings.  Express how you are feeling, too.
4. Talk regularly. Express your love even if you’re not in the same place. Talk frequently by phone or by video chat through applications such as WhatsApp, Skype, Facetime, or Google Duo. Share one happy thing that you saw, ate or did today; give a compliment; or share a riddle or joke.
5. Organize a remote “play date.”  Schedule time to connect remotely at the same time each day so they have something to look forward to.  You can draw or do other art activities; read a  story; sing a song; play a game or try a stress buster. 

You’re not alone. As the global leader in child-focused humanitarian response, Save the Children is proud to launch Coronavirus and Kids: Resources from Save the Children to support parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, school administrators and those who care about children in response.