Living with family members in a confined space for long periods of time and being regularly bombarded by information about the epidemic can lead to boredom, anxiety, worry and panic. It may also lead to feelings of depression and fear and induce physical changes like chest congestion and insomnia. These are all normal reactions to stressful circumstances. Children may respond to stress in different ways such as being more clingy, anxious, withdrawing, angry or agitated, having difficulties sleeping, bedwetting, having pain in the stomach or head or afraid to be left alone. For families with children, spending more time together increases the opportunities for parents to communicate with their child. To get through the COVID-19 outbreak, family members must remain the essential source of support by helping all family members to feel safe, positive and maintain a healthy mind. It is our responsibility to protect children’s rights, ensure their safety and provide the information and facts needed to diminish fears and anxieties. Having information and facts about COVID-19 will help diminish children’s fears and anxieties around the disease and support their ability to cope with any secondary impacts in their lives.

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