As moms, we tell our kids that we have eyes in the backs of our heads. And for a while they believe us. For many years of their lives, they are convinced a kiss from us will truly fix their boo-boo. What happens when something comes along like Coronavirus that we, as moms, can’t fix?

We wear many hats as mothers, we are the nurses who fix up the scratches and scrapes, we are chauffeurs, maids, dry cleaners, and short order cooks. In the eyes of our children, there really isn’t much we can’t do, and even less we don’t know about, at least until they are close to becoming teenagers.

Did you ever try to keep a secret from your mom? I did. It never worked. And my kids don’t seem to be able to keep any from me either. But they bask in the comfort of knowing that I know what is going on and I will always be there to handle it or to help them figure out how to handle it.

Enter Covid-19. How do I explain it to my kids? How do I explain to them why the whole world is scared, not only because of the impact of the virus on our health, but also because of the economic and even political impact the virus is having? How do I tell my kids they might need to ration their toilet paper because there isn’t any left in the store? How do I explain to them that they won’t be going back to school for at least the next two weeks, but rather than a fun break, we have to stay home, and we can’t interact with others, and that is because we are keeping ourselves and hopefully our friends and neighbors safe too?

When my child coughs, I feel my body tense a bit. It’s not rational. But this virus is all we are thinking about. It is all over our TVs, our workplaces are constantly trying to keep up and decide what to do with each new update, schools have now closed in many areas, churches are making decisions about meeting. We literally can’t avoid thinking about it for very long. So how do we feel calm on the inside so that it projects on the outside and allows our kids to enjoy their time off school and not worry?

I’m reminded of a song with the lyrics “why worry when you can pray.” I think that is step number one. Right now is the perfect time to teach your kids that God is real, present, and understands everything going on. Praying for those around us, healthcare workers, leaders making decisions, anyone we know with any illness, these lessons will be things our kids will remember.

Secondly, keep them busy. Remember that saying, an idle hand is the devils workshop? If our kids are off school and they aren’t busy, they have time to hear the news reports, to hear us talking as parents, and they worry. Keeping them busy keeps their minds occupied and off the scary things going on around them. For me that looks like working on math flash cards and going over language concepts, making sure we read together. My first quick stop is going to be the library.

Have your kids play outside if possible. Vitamin D is helpful for the immune system. Being outdoors can actually help kill off germs. It depends on where you live, but thankfully, our weather is beautiful, so playing outside is glorious right now.

It may go without saying, but another way that we can keep our families as healthy as possible is to eat right, stay hydrated, take your vitamins. Make sure your kids are washing their hands frequently. I kind of joked when I heard the kids would be out of school for two weeks and said it would be a great time to get spring cleaning done, but in reality, it is a good time because that helps make sure your home is well sanitized.

Don’t forget about those in need. I think it can get really easy to get hyper focused on our family units, and I think we should do all we can to keep our families safe. But, think of people in your church who may need help. I would not go to visit people who are sick or elderly. Now is the time to make a telephone call or send a card. If you hear of a need for food, taking groceries to their door and leaving it there would be helpful. We don’t want to introduce the virus into their home if they haven’t come out of it. Be aware of moms with newborns. The same thing would apply. Check with them before visiting. They may ask you not to. If they need meals they may appreciate a grocery bag left at the door or a gift card in the mail. There are ways we can practically help those around us without causing potential infection. You can actually buy an Amazon gift card and text it right to the persons phone and they can have it immediately.

I believe if we help others during this time, it is teaching our kids that the body of Christ helps one another and helps those who need help in the community around us. The first commandment love God and the second like it, love your neighbor.

This is a stressful time. We can let the stress weigh us down, or we can choose to let it propel us to teach our kids how to love and serve others in a time of need and how to trust the God who made our bodies. We trust He is in control and we rest in that. So do I have all of the answers for my kids about Coronavirus? No. But I do know the One who does and pointing my kids to Him and helping them see what trust looks like is quite the privilege wouldn’t you?