OAK GROVE, Minnesota — It's day four of staying home for mother Amy Lockman and her two kids Lydia and Kaleb in Oak Grove.
"It's interesting and it's been tough," said Lockman.
It's been tough trying to keep her kids busy and tough to explain what is happening.
Especially for 6-year-old Kaleb with autism.
"Trying to explain to him what's going on and having him understand why we can't have friends over and we can't go to places and play," said Lockman. "I'm trying to do my best to keep him in a schedule."
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Amy is one of millions of parents trying to have those conversations with their kids.
"I think that can be really especially challenging because we as parents and we as adults are searching for guidance," said Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian, a pediatrician at Hennepin Healthcare.
He has some advice for parents who may be struggling.
"Asking what do you know, how are you doing and letting them put words to it," said Subrahmanian. "And then it's really important to provide reassurance. We have scientists we have doctors we have medical professionals who are learning more about this virus everyday."
He says it's also important to remind children what they can do to help.
"Giving kids that control and letting them realize they're a big part in stopping this virus. That's a powerful moment," said Subrahmanian.
Krishnan says for parents of kids with special needs, it's important to try and mimic that routine as much as possible before keeping them on some kind of a schedule.
"Schedules are so important to young people," said Subrahmanian.
"That is something Amy will try and do no matter how long this takes.
"We just have to take it day by day," she said.
Doctors also say if you're having a tough time talking to your kids about this, you can reach out to their pediatricians, psychologists, or their teachers for more guidance.
KARE 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit kare11.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about the Midwest specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 763-797-7215. And get the latest coronavirus updates sent right to your inbox every morning. Subscribe to the KARE 11 Sunrise newsletter here. Help local families in need: www.kare11.com/give11.
The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information on the coronavirus:
- Facts not fear: What the Midwest should know about coronavirus
- Current number of presumptive coronavirus cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin
- Coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements and impacts in the Twin Cities
- Here are the common symptoms of coronavirus
- What are the 'underlying conditions' that make coronavirus more serious?
