Local psychologist gives advice on how to talk to your kids about coronavirus

SALT LAKE CITY — A child psychologist here in Utah says talk of COVID-19 is leading to increased anxiety in children.

With several schools closing Thursday, we asked him to provide a few tips on how to talk to your children about what they're seeing and hearing.

Dr. Doug Goldsmith, a licensed psychologist, says if you are not talking to your kids about the coronavirus, someone else is.

His first pointer for parents: Educate your kids.

Ask them what what they know and fill in the blanks — and he says to take the conversation beyond hand-washing.

Step two: Be honest and transparent about your own feelings. If your behaviors or routines have changed, explain why.

Goldsmith says a making a promise to your kids can go a long way.

The last step: Provide hope and reassurance that things will get better.

LINK: State Coronavirus Task Force information page