TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Even though children have lower risks to be exposed to COVID-19, one way or another they will have to undergo health tests to ensure they are free from the coronavirus. However, the process would quite surely intimidate them as they would during a regular visit to the doctor.

The following suggestions, from Tempo.co’s partnership with the national COVID-19 task force, could help relax your children during a visit to a health test.

1. Prepare Every Necessary Information

Children by nature have clear imaginations upon picturing a situation coming based on the information we adults provide them. Use a friendly approach to help them understand about a crisis, or specifically the crisis that currently surrounds us.

This would help in giving a clear picture why the health tests are needed and necessary for us to protect ourselves. Be uplifting and stay honest without adding more to your story other than facts. It is also important not to focus too much on the negative information.

2. Educate them on Tools Used in COVID-19 Tests

Explain to your child why healthcare personnel wear full-on personal protection equipment and why they use large Q-tips when extracting samples from us. A better understanding about the equipment used in the tests can prepare children from having panic attacks prior to undergoing a test.

3. Distract their Attention from Their Fears

It would be enough to scare children away by showing a doctor’s hypodermic needle, let alone have them see COVID-19 test equipment during a test’s queue. Use this moment to distract them away from focusing on what they might fear by playing simple games and other positive activities.

4. Make the Children Comfortable

Forcing children to do something they do not want will surely make them uncomfortable, which could affect the outcome of the medical test result due to the stresses they endure prior to testing. Sit next to them or sit them on your lap that could help them understand that they are not there alone. Don’t forget to hug your children and praise them for being brave enough to undergo the COVID-19 test.

Also Read: Indonesia Logs 2,853 Fresh COVID-19 Cases

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