Psychologists have offered advice to parents on how to speak to their children about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Child Mind has advised mums and dads not to share too many details with their young ones, as while they may not be classified as vulnerable to coronavirus , they are susceptible to become fearful of the outbreak.
The non-profit organisation, set up to help young people struggling with their mental health, writes on its website: "Don’t be afraid to discuss the coronavirus.
"Most children will have already heard about the virus or seen people wearing face masks, so parents shouldn’t avoid talking about it.
"Not talking about something can actually make kids worry more. Look at the conversation as an opportunity to convey the facts and set the emotional tone.
"Take your cues from your child. Invite your child to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel.
"Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. You want to be prepared to answer (but not prompt) questions.
"Your goal is to avoid encouraging frightening fantasies."
Janine Domingues, PhD, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, told The Mirror it was important not to start the conversation if you are in a bad mental place yourself.
"When you’re feeling most anxious or panicked, that isn’t the time to talk to your kids about what’s happening with the coronavirus,” she said.
“We don’t like uncertainty, so staying rooted in routines and predictability is going to be helpful right now.
“Let them know that the lines of communication are going to be open.
“You can say, ‘Even though we don’t have the answers to everything right now, know that once we know more, mum or dad will let you know, too.’"
The number of cases confirmed in Wales reached 94 on Sunday, March 15.
