Helping Kids Keep From Spreading COVID-19

During the COVID-19 crisis, it is important to create a sense of safety for children. These are uncertain times, and our kiddos might be feeling anxious — or maybe even sad or scared. There are a lot of unknowns, which can lead to a sense of losing control.

Our UF Health Shands Child Life specialists say it is important to give children specific examples of what they can do to stay safe. A list of who is helping them stay safe often provides comfort, too.

One of the most important things kids can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is wash their hands in addition to practicing social distancing.

Here are some fun ideas and resources to help youngsters with hand-washing:

• Washing away germs with Daniel Tiger
• Step-by-step hand-washing with Elmo
• Pre-K teacher’s hand-washing demonstration
• Steps to hand-washing using paint
• Super Soap verses Klaus the Germ - Children's Book Reading on Proper Hand Washing Download the book from IFAS Extension

Kids should sing a song while washing their hands to make sure they wash for at least 20 seconds. They can sing the Happy Birthday song or the Alphabet song. Another idea is to have them sing the kid-favorite Baby Shark song. There is even a new hand-washing version.

Let your children know there are many people out there who are monitoring the COVID-19 situation and taking care of the details in order to prevent the spread of the virus, as well. Our helpers include:

• Parents/caretakers
• Teachers
• Legislators
• People working in health care
• People working at stores to keep your kitchen stocked

There are many more helpers out there. Ask your kids if they can think of others. And remember — always wash your hands!