Everything you need to know about teaching your children about coronavirus and COVID-19

With new cases confirmed by the day, the UK government issuing warnings about the spread of COVID-19 and many of us now in self-isolation, it’s more important than ever to explain the coronavirus crisis effectively to our children.
However, just as it’s important to get the vital messages about the spread of germs and washing hands across to your children, it’s also essential to avoid any scaremongering and misinformation.
We caught up with Emma Bradley, parenting expert at Childcare.co.uk, for some top tips on handling this sensitive subject with your youngsters.
Listen to your child
?First and foremost, it?s important that you acknowledge your child?s concerns and listen to them,? says Emma. ?If you?re the one bringing up the subject, start by finding out what she already knows. This will allow you to separate fact from fiction, and dispel any myths she may have heard on the playground or on the TV.?
Reinforce good hygiene
?Explain that viruses are spread by coughing and sneezing, and emphasise basic hygiene with your child, reminding her that this needs to happen both at school and at home,? says Emma.
Public Health England advises that the best way to stop the spread of the virus is to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap ? ideally for the length of time it takes to sing ?Happy Birthday?. You should also use a tissue to catch any sneezes or coughs,...