Media network CNN and Sesame Street have teamed up to air a 90-minute primetime special, town hall-style, this weekend to explain coronavirus to children.
The townhall is also aimed at helping families worldwide to stay connected and offer joy during these uneasy times of isolation or quarantine at home.
With millions of children forced to stay home during the rampage of the pandemic, their parents–who certainly can pick up learning cubes as well- will be able to guide their children on the ABCs of COVID-19, which has infected more than two million worldwide and killed thousands despite efforts by medical front liners.
Such initiatives will keep children occupied, help them beat their boredom, address their anxiety and help them understand why they are not going out of the house and why they need to develop habits such as frequent handwashing, practicing physical distancing, and so on even after the lockdown is lifted.
No doubt, children have their own questions about the pandemic. Mothers and fathers also need help in parenting during these difficult times. Issues such as education, anxiety, screen time, and playdates will be discussed as well.
We adults may be preoccupied with the adjustments we have to make in dealing with the pandemic. It is easy to overlook the fact that children may be perplexed at the sudden change in their routines as well. As parents and guardians it is our duty to help them make sense out of what is happening. And we need all the help we can get.