With the continuing restrictions in place due to COVID-19, and with many kids now returning to school, some may well be feeling anxious and stressed, especially with the media-saturated society in which we live.
There is much that we don't know about the virus, however as parents we can help our kids feel safe and as people of faith we can point them to Jesus.
We'd encourage you to first check out our Resource Page [Talking with kids about traumatic events](https://www.corouniting.org/resources/talking-with-your-kids-about-traumatic-events) as this covers some helpful principles. After this, check out some of the information below. We're aware this is a continually developing situation. If you have any resources that you think would be helpful to add here, please [email David](mailto:david@corouniting.org).
How does our faith guide our response in this situation?
As Christians, our faith is an integral part of all of our lives, and this is no different when it comes to facing issues like COVID-19. Obviously our faith doesn't make us immune to this virus, however we can remind ourselves of God's faithfulness to his people over the ages and remind our kids that God has promised that he is always with us and that we don't need to fear (eg. by panic-buying toilet paper!).
However our faith is not just something that brings us comfort. Our faith calls us to reach out to the hurting and the fearful around us and to bring hope instead of despair. We are called to preach Christ at all times, making sure that our actions match our words. How might you demonstrate the aroma of Christ at this time? What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in the midst of this storm?
Some helpful Biblical truths:
- Our [KBG memory verse](https://www.vinteract.com.au/view/i/UBRfNSqVV5dQ92kkSscmx9Jan) for Term 1 2020: "Some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots. But we will trust in the name of our God" - [Psalm 20:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+20%3A7&version=NIRV)
- An assurance that God is with us at all times - [Deuteronomy 31:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=deuteronomy+31%3A8&version=NIRV), [Joshua 1:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua+1%3A5&version=NIRV), [Isaiah 41:10-13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+41%3A10-13&version=NIRV), [Psalm 73:23-26](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+73%3A23-26&version=NIRV)
- We don't need to fear - [Joshua 1:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua+1%3A9&version=NIRV), [1 Peter 5:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A7&version=NIRV), [Philippians 4:6-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+4%3A6-7&version=NIRV), [2 Timothy 1:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A7&version=NIRV)
- We are called to bring peace and provide for those in need or in trouble - [1 John 3:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+3%3A17&version=NIRV), [James 1:27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A27&version=NIRV), [Isaiah 25:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+25%3A4&version=NIRV), [Luke 3:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+3%3A11&version=NIRV)
Some resources specific to COVID-19
- The Parenting Place (NZ) - [How to talk to your kids about COVID-19](https://www.theparentingplace.com/health-wellness/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-covid-19/)
- ABC News - [How to talk with your children about coronavirus](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-04/how-to-talk-to-children-about-coronavirus/12020324)
- MPR news (US) - [Just for kids: A comic exploring the new coronavirus](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/02/28/npr-just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus)
- The New York Times - [How to Talk to Your Child About the Coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/opinion/coronavirus-children.html)
- Christianity Today (US) - [Coronavirus, Christians and a Christ-Centred Response](https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2020/february/coronavirus-christians-and-christ-centered-response.html)
- The Gospel Coalition (US) - [Should Christians Be Anxious About the Coronavirus?](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-anxious-coronavirus/)
- Science Alert (US) - [What Is Children's Level of Risk For Coronavirus? Here's What You Need to Know](https://www.sciencealert.com/if-you-re-worried-about-children-catching-coronavirus-here-s-what-you-need-to-know)
- today.com (US) - ['We simply do not understand why': Coronavirus is sparing children, puzzling experts](https://www.today.com/health/coronavirus-sparing-children-experts-simply-do-not-understand-why-t175156)
- mercatornet.com (US) - [The response of Wuhan Christians to the coronavirus outbreak puts the government to shame](https://www.mercatornet.com/above/view/the-response-of-wuhan-christians-to-the-coronavirus-outbreak-puts-the-gover/23324)
- Uniting Church Assembly - [A Prayer in Response to Coronavirus](https://assembly.uca.org.au/news/item/3140-a-coronavirus-prayerdep)
- Department of Health - [Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and early childhood centres, students and parents](https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-schools-and-early-childhood-centres)
- ABC BTN (Behind The News): [Coronavirus Questions](https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/coronavirus-questions/12024698), [Handwashing](https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/handwashing/12024720), [COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus) Explained](https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/coronavirus-explained/11933838)
Some common sense
- Wash your hands often, with soap (for as long as it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday twice' or check out [washyourlyrics.com](www.washyourlyrics.com) to create your own wash song!)
- Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
- Be kind to all
- Don't be racist or xenophobic