How on earth do you explain self-isolation to children?

[Jourdain11]

I had to do unexpected self-isolation because I'm having some medical investigations done, and until I know one way or the other I've been told to err on the side of caution.

Because it was a bit unexpected, we had no time to explain to our children why and when and how... so they were not in any way prepared.

They are 7, 6 and 4. I don't want to worry them perhaps unnecessarily, so husband has told them that mummy has a poorly tummy and is feeling very tired (true) and the doctors need to work out what to do to fix it, but for now I have to stay in the study to make sure I don't catch the virus.

They seemed quite happy with that, and elder DD7 and DS4 haven't protested, but DD6 is getting herself into a tizz. She wants a cuddle, she wants to get into bed with me just for 5 minutes, she doesn't like it when she can't see me..... and she just doesn't get it.

Now DD7 has started with her questions... and she will keep going! She had a sore tummy last week and we made her go to school (true) so why do I have to go to the hospital just because I have a sore tummy? She doesn't see the point because they are breathing germs in the house and they might sneak under the door (!!).

So, I'm asking/begging: has anyone managed to do this more successfully than me? If so, could you give me some tips?! They do understand about the virus but I don't want to totally terrify them by talking about dead people and so on...

Ahh bless them! It must be so hard to be in the same house and not able to see you.

I think you've explained it well already and just have to repeat, repeat, repeat. It's just truthful, but child friendly information, which is what you've done. So, why do you have to go to the hospital and she didn't 'because her tummy is better now but yours has been sore for a longer time and that means a doctor needs to look at it'. Germs under the door? 'That's not how germs work thankfully! So mummy is safe in the study, and we're all safe in the house'. You can search up a child friendly video about germs and how they spread too (educational as well!).

I read your other post this morning I think I would say that your doctor has told you to do it until they've sorted out your tummy ache and see if that helps

Thank you! Yeah, we are playing the "until the doctor says...." card. And I'm going to look up some germ videos!

DD7 just declared that her sore tummy has come back, so perhaps she needs to stay in the isolation room too! DH said we'll see, but perhaps she could have some ice cream first and see if that made her feel better

I'm just not wanting to give them false expectations either. They know I have a hospital appointment tomorrow so I am afraid they think it is going to be all back to normal after that (and realistically it won't be).

Keep it as simple as possible and Just keep repeating what you've told them.
They are scared and looking for certainty and reassurance. Distraction and cuddles from your DP will help. Get him to ask them open questions about how they are feeling, don't lead them but encourage them to ask questions so he can have a (child appropriate) discussion.

There are a couple of coronavirus for kids by Dr Panda (?) on youtube - (search for "coronavirus for kids") and other germ related ones - there is another one by Wondergrove Kids "germs germs germs" -which my dc seemed to find reassuring though that was more to do with being reassured about seeing the changes out and about, people wearing masks and respecting distances and the like - might be something there?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-51637561/coronavirus-watch-how-germs-spread

Would this help any?

Oh that's great, thanks! I'll have a look.

DDs just enjoyed doing the clapping for the NHS and careworkers and we did a video chat earlier, which I think they found entertaining from novelty value!

Husband is being really good (although the healthiness of their diet has gone downhill!) but I feel bad that it's mostly on him.

And from a selfish point of view, I'm hating this separation thing too