Conversations can be overheard in homes, stores, medical offices, restaurants, parks, and other places. Even while social distancing, talk continues. Whether taking a walk in the neighborhood and visiting with friends or sharing a phone call with family, the coronavirus will likely be mentioned.
Our two years old grandson told me, “Mimi, that coronavirus is bad.” He wants to go to preschool and see his friends and teachers. His Mom and Dad have shared that the children can’t go to school because of a bad sickness called the coronavirus.
Even at his young age, Rowan knows something is different.
I’ve heard people say, “Kids don’t know what is happening. They don’t understand.” Wrong. The children may not understand the specifics of why people are sick or why they can’t go to this place or that place. But, children do know something is different and that something is not good.
When sharing about the awful virus with young people, we don’t need to give all details. Their minds can handle the basics. Children sense the feelings of the people around them. If you are sad and crying, they notice. If you are mad, they notice. If you are hopeful, the children notice.
Those young people are sensitive to the feelings of others. Be careful with your words.
Remind children that they are loved. Remind them that you will take care of them. Show them smiles. Share the joy with children. Show them sunsets, beautiful flowers, and more of God’s creations. Give them hope.
Yes, share with children. Share how there is a bad virus making some people sick. Share how we need to wash our hands often, how we need to stay home more, and how we need to be careful.
Let them know things will change one day and they will be able to go back to school and see friends and teachers.
Don’t disregard their feelings. Remind the children in your life that they are loved and cherished by you and by God.
Let’s pray for the coronavirus to leave and never return. Let’s pray for good health for all the children.
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. She contributes articles and devotions to various magazines and websites. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near son, daughter-in-love, and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Defying Shadows 
You are right: our kids see and hear far more than many of us think they do! It’s important to talk honestly about this.
Yes, the children do listen and take in more than we realize at times. 🙂
Your words are kind and soothing and thoughtful. Your heart is attuned to small children, to your grandson. I’m guessing that you are an incredible grandmother, the very best kind. Thank you for these reminders about the tender hearts of little children, about their listening ears and their watching eyes, even when we don’t know we’re being observed. This is something that adults often forget, and yet it was something that Jesus was attuned to. He knew the little children were listening and he drew them to himself to hold and to love them. Only one instance is recorded, but my guess is that this was a common occurrence everywhere he went. He would have spoken to them just like you do.
Melinda, thank you so much. Your words have brought sweet tears to my eyes. 🙂
What a great approach to children and the virus, Melissa! We underestimate what kids know and sense from us. So I love how you brought it all together in talking to kids about the basics, safety, and reminding them of our care and the joy in the things we can do.
Thank you Karen. Children are always listening and watching even when we don’t realize. I pray we all show good examples of God’s love.
When I was three, my grandfather died. My mother told me he was “gone” as if he’d simply gone home to Ohio. I realized later that he’d died and nobody told me. I mentioned it to my mother much later. She said, “I didn’t think you’d remember.” Being in his house in Ohio before they brought him to our house in Pennsylvania is my first memory. We cannot assume what children are thinking. I know my mother meant me no harm. But I dealt with my own children, not perfectly, but much differently.
Nancy, thank you for sharing this. Each generation handles things differently. You are correct. We cannot assume what children are thinking. 🙂
Thanks for the great tips on sharing with kids. I will try it with my grandkids.
Thank you Yvonne. Children are listening and watching. 🙂
This post is so thoughtful. Thank you, Melissa, for remembering the children. We get so caught up in our worries that we forget how much the children need our guidance for simple truth and reminders of love, reminders of God’s beauty and reassurance of safety and care. Much needed message.
Thank you Melissa. I have noticed adults talking about the “happenings” of the world. I have watched the children looking at the adults with questioning eyes. I pray we will use our words and actions to glorify Him and comfort the children.
So glad you wrote this, Melissa. Kids are people, too, and they understand and sense a lot. Yes, you are right. We need to be mindful of what we say and what to teach the kids in our lives.
Thank you so much. Yes, we need to be mindful of our words and actions. We are examples for the children and everyone around us. Praying we all show God’s love today and every day.
Wow Sister, I smiled at your message because I have two adult children and have never really thought about the families with younger children in the house. You are right these conversations are very important especially with everything going on… God Bless, great message
Thank you friend. I have noticed more children listening and watching. I pray we are showing God’s grace and love.