As we face the many changes and challenges of life during the novel coronavirus pandemic, we may struggle to figure out how or if we should talk about the situation with our small children. Kids easily pick up on the emotions of adults around them and might become anxious or confused in these uncharted times. Changes in routines such as not being able to engage in their regular trips to the library, Children’s Museum, baby class, zoo or playground might be upsetting to both children and parents.
Explanations about why all of this is happening can be tricky for preschoolers to understand. When talking to your children, be sure you are in a calm space and don’t overwhelm them with information that isn’t developmentally appropriate. Keep it simple, calm, and above all else, reassuring. There have been a variety of downloadable stories recently created to help kids understand COVID-19 and stay healthy. Many originated in other countries and most tend to be geared toward school-aged children. However, if you are looking for a way to talk to your little one, reading through these resources is a good place to start. They might give you ideas, or you might be able to use a little from each to create the perfect message for your child. For my toddler, we are simply focusing on being healthy. When we have to explain why we can’t do something she is accustomed to doing (like playing on the playground), we tell her that it isn’t healthy right now and then let her know what we can do instead. Below is a list of links to a variety of downloadable children's stories or comics about novel coronavirus for you to explore and decide if there is anything that might help your family. I hope it helps! And please remember to support your local small businesses when this is over by visiting shops and restaurants or telling all of your friends about Baby Express Signing with Baby classes! 
Stories
My Name is Coronavirus by Manuela Molina Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus by Malaka Gharib an NPR editor, author and illustrator My Story about Pandemics and the Coronavirus a social story by Carol Gray
My Coronavirus Story by Easterseals of Chicago The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to the New Coronavirus by Live Science staff Kids, Vaayu & Corona: Who Wins the Fight? A Comic for COVID-19 By Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal and Dr. Suman Mor for the government of India What is the Coronavirus? by SEN Resource Source Corona Virus Safe Habits Social Story by Ben DeWolfe, Ed.S. School Psychologist Understanding the Coronavirus by Socially Skilled Kids General information to help parents: Talking to Children About COVID-19 from the National Association of School Psychologists How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus from PBS Kids (includes links to episodes of Daniel Tiger, Sesame Street and Curious George that explain general concepts about illness and prevention) Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus from the Child Mind Institute Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child from Kids Health Talking with Children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for Parents, School Staff, and Others Working with Children from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Board books for preschoolers that encourage general health concepts:
Wash, Wash, Wash by Pamela Chanko Germs are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick Sherm the Germ by Dr. John Hutton Wash Your Hands by Tony Ross
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Enjoy music, movement and play with your baby or toddler while learning some American Sign Language vocabulary, too. Our next session starts January 23, 2020.
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