YOUTH

Resources for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

The Stigma-Free Society recognizes how difficult it can be for parents who are worried about their youth’s mental health. Look no further! In this section, parent(s) will find conversation cards that they can use to talk to their youth about mental wellbeing. They will also find a comprehensive Parent Resource Guide on how to get their youth help when they need it most. The Stigma-Free Society has gathered videos and links that will help parents support their child’s mental health. It is always best to check in with youth first thing in the morning to ensure that they are feeling mentally well because having their mental health in check is imperative to tackle the rest of the day’s tasks.

Check out this podcast for

parents, guardians and caregivers!

Conversation Cards

Parents – We know that your youth have a lot questions about what is happening in the world around them right now with respect to COVID-19. We also know that sometimes it is difficult to know how to start these conversations.

Below you’ll find our “Conversation Cards” to help you kick-start your conversation with your child and hopefully answer the many, many questions they have.

To spark ‘Real Talk’ with parents/family members:

Simply look at a card and read the question on the front.
The other person offers a response.
Then discuss the answer together.

Real Talk – Questions for Parent(s) to Ask Youth During COVID-19 (Grades 4-6)

When I describe what Covid-19 is, do you understand? Is there anything that doesn't make sense? Do you know what a coronavirus is?

• COVID-19 is a virus that spreads easily from one person to another and has affected hundreds of countries around the world - this is called a pandemic.
• It causes fever, cough, trouble breathing and sometimes a sore throat.
• Anyone can get COVID-19, but this virus seems to more negatively affect older people and people that do not have a strong immune systems. Typically, if children do get the virus, they experience a slight cough and fever.

Do you ever hear about Covid-19 on the tv news or have you read about it online?

• It's important that we get our information about Covid-19 from reliable sources, not just rumors and opinions. Some examples of reputable sites are :
• WHO
• Canada.ca
• NHS

Do you notice your parent(s) talking about Covid-19? How do you feel when your parent(s) talk about it?

• If your child has a negative response to this question, it may be because your child is overwhelmed with the talk and media coverage regarding Covid-19.
• Allow your child to express their emotions.

Are you concerned about getting sick? Could you tell me about your concerns?

Whatever their concerns may be, be truthful (see sources on Card 1) but don't go too far into detail such that the child becomes fearful or even traumatized (eg: Avoid talking about death and suffering).

The days might seem different to you. How do you feel about our new routine?

• Perhaps this is a good time to begin to sketch out a new routine in order to instill greater stability and increased predictability during these challenging times.
• Have your child give his or her input into this new routine.

Do you have friends whom you miss? Could you tell me about them?

When they begin to describe their friends, if they have not already, suggest they have a phone call or see each other on a video online platform.

Do you know a really fun way to wash your hands? Let me show you and we can do it together.

• The following are good websites that teach appropriate handwashing techniques:
• Family Doctor
• Public Health Ontairo
• BCCDC.ca

Is there anything I can do to help you during this challenging time?

• This is a question that can be returned to frequently during this period.
• It's a good way to check in generally with your child to assess their functioning.

Are your friends talking about the virus? If so, what are they talking about?

Remember that it’s important to not “feed into the frenzy”, if your friends or classmates say anything that raises more questions for you or they say something that doesn’t seem right, ask a trusted adult loved one for clarification and accurate information.
• Remember to also talk about things other than COVID. It’s much too easy to get wrapped up in this virus - so remember what you love doing and talk about that, too!

Do you know what "flattening the curve" means?

• By staying home you’re not infecting others with the virus and you will be safe from getting it.
• This helps slow down the number of people with the virus, which “flattens the curve.”
• This helps our healthcare system not get bombarded with a bunch of sick people in the hospital, allowing them to treat and care for everyone who needs help.

You might notice we’re inside and we’re not allowed to go outside as much - this is called social distancing. How does being inside and social distancing make you feel?

Social distancing is incredibly important to help us manage the virus. Although it is difficult to not see your friends and do all of the activities you’re used to doing, you’re helping save lives and you’re doing a very good job at helping stop the spread of this virus. You’re like a COVID-19 Superhero right now.

What is the difference between physical and mental health?

• Physical health is the condition of your body. It includes things like the absence of disease and injury and your fitness level. When your physical health is positive, your body feels strong, you have lots of energy and you are free of illness and injury.
• Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

Are there activities that you want to do right now or in the coming weeks?

• Let’s make a list of everything you would like to do and see what kind of plan we can come up with.
• CLICK HERE for a list of ideas!

I’ve noticed that you’ve been a little more ____________ (sad, worried, anxious - insert your child’s emotion), do you want to talk to me about it? Would you like to talk with a counsellor or somebody outside our family?

It’s okay to feel any and all emotions. Some emotions are harder to deal with on your own and talking with family members or a mental health professional may help you navigate your emotions and mental health.

Discussion Questions for Youth to Ask Parent(s) During COVID-19 (Grades 4-6)

Is there a difference between Covid-19 and coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a kind of coronavirus, like when you get sick with the flu you have one kind flu that is one of many types.

Am I going to get Covid-19?

• Chances are you're not going to get Covid -19 as it doesn't seem to affect children very much.
• However, know if you do get Covid-19 the adults will take very good care of you while you're sick and then you'll get better.

How long is Covid-19 going to last?

• The answer seems to change frequently. The best guess seems to be that Covid-19 could last anywhere from weeks to months.
• It can be frustrating not getting exact answers to important questions. This can make some people angry. This is normal.

What will happen if family members get Covid-19?

• If you or one of your family members has trouble breathing, it's best they get to the emergency room or call an ambulance.
• If they have a fever, dry cough, or other flu-like symptoms, call your doctor.
• If they have been near someone who has Covid-19, it is important to call the doctor, so they can determine if your family member can be treated at home.
• They may need to go to the doctor or be tested for Covid-19.

Are we safe?

• I wonder if you're feeling unsafe because of all of the talk about Covid-19.
• We are staying safe by washing our hands the right way, engaging in social distancing, and staying home as much as possible.
• Know that the adults in your life are working hard to keep you safe and healthy.

People may be having strong feelings, like feeling sadness and anger, since Covid-19 started. Is this normal?

• This is totally normal.
• When life changes so quickly in so many different ways it's easy to have feelings such as being scared, anxious, angry, or even sad.
• It's important to talk about these feelings as well so they don't build up inside and make us feel worse.

Why do people talk about Covid-19 all of the time?

• We are talking about Covid-19 a lot because it is something that has changed our lives in many ways for the time being. Talking about Covid-19 helps people deal with it.
• But, if you need a break from hearing us talk about it please tell us and we can move to another room or save the conversation for after bedtime.

Some people get really scared. How are you feeling?

• Tell the truth about your feelings without going into too much detail.
• You could say something like, “Like lots of people I sometimes feel scared because Covid-19 is so new and makes people sick. But then I feel better when I realize we are doing everything to stay healthy and safe.”

Will my pet (dog/cat/hamster/etc.) be ok? Will it get Covid-19?

• So far, the evidence shows that your pet(s) won't get Covid-19.
• However, if our pet does get sick for any reason know we'll call the vet right away.
• More Information about Pets and COVID-19

Is constantly thinking about Covid-19 normal?

• This is very normal.
• Because Covid-19 has made some big changes in everyone's lives for the time being, and that it's all over the TV and internet, it's hard not to think about it.
• This is why it's important to set limits regarding how much time one is online and watches TV.
• It's also important that there are activities that can take your mind off Covid-19 so life feels a bit back to normal.

People are spreading rumors about Asian people on the internet about Covid-19. Is any of this true?

Unfortunately, because the first case of Covid-19 was discovered in China, some people have taken this to mean the Chinese people are somehow responsible. They are not. People's racist talk is inappropriate and only brings about stigma to the Chinese people.

What can I do to help people even though I have to stay inside?

• When we help others during a tough time, it can make us feel better and in control
• Kids can call or use a video chat to interact with their grandparents or other elderly family members every few days.
• Kids can write letters (with or without pictures) to the elderly in eldercare facilities who cannot have visitors right now.