Facing a health emergency can bring up feelings of stress, uncertainty, and confusion, especially for young children. While we don’t want to overload them with scary information, we can try to answer their questions honestly.

For Kids:   

• CNN/Sesame Street COVID Town Hall: Sesame Street characters and health experts answer kids’ questions about COVID-19. 
• Governor Cooper and Dr. Mandy Talk to Kids About COVID-19: Kids ask and the Governor and Dr. Mandy answer. 
• Sesame Street in Communities-Health Emergencies: Videos and activities for kids related to COVID-19. 
• Learn About Coronavirus Coloring Book: A resource from St. Jude’s with simple explanations and suggestions for staying healthy for young children. 
• Coronavirus Activity Book: A resource from St. Jude’s with simple explanations and suggestions for staying healthy for elementary-age children. 
• Some People Wear Masks: A simple picture book for kids about wearing masks. 

For Parents:  

• Talking to Children about COVID-19: Ideas from Sesame Street for providing kid-friendly COVID-19 information and comfort. 
• Ways to Support Your Child and Reduce Stress During COVID-19: Suggestions from WakeMed about helping children cope with COVID-19. 
• Talking with Children about the Coronavirus: Guidance from the CDC on what and how to share with kids. 

Play and Health and Wellness: 

• The Power of Play: Pediatricians weigh in on why play is so important. 
• The Serious Business of Play: Guidance from the American Psychological Association on the critical importance of play during the pandemic. 
• 10 Things Every Parent Should Know about Play: A quick read on why play is essential. 
• How to Help Kids Relieve Stress: Ways to help kids manage stress, including play. 
• The Science of Play: How Play Helps Us Develop Resilience: An article by play expert Dr. Stuart Brown on how play fosters resilience. 
• Resilience Resources: Resources on resilience and child development from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child.