There's a lot of uncertainty with the coronavirus.
As parents try to figure out what to do, kids are also wondering what's happening and why their lives are changing so quickly.
Experts say it's important to talk with them about what's going on in the world to keep them from becoming anxious or scared.
"They're not visiting friends, they're not doing their usual activities, they're going to want to know why," said Dr. Kevin Planchet, a licensed professional counselor. "Most of them have a general idea that something is not quite right, and they don't really understand it."
One tip for parents, she said, is that less is more.
"I would say use real talk," Planchet said. "Use age-appropriate language. Don't tell them too much, tell them just what they need to know, especially if the children are very young."
For example, young children can be told that the world has "kind of a cold right now, and we don't want to spread it around," Planchet said.
Tone matters almost as much as what you're telling the children, she said.
"Keep things as calm as possible," Planchet said. "Your children are going to follow your lead. If you're physically anxious in front of them, losing (your) temper, that'll make them even more anxious, nervous and upset."
Which is why she advised not having the news on constantly. Even though adults use the TV to get updates, children don't always process information the same way their parents do.
And while parents might not have all the answers, showing them that you're there to protect them will help.
"What you want to do is keep your family and your children as safe as possible and put in measures necessary to do that," Planchet said.
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