Kids, Coronavirus and Preparedness

From inconvenience to economic strain to emotional drain, COVID-19 has complicated life for us all. But the impact on young kids and their parents is unique. Kids are coping with confusion, sadness, worry and at times loneliness brought on by this strange and stressful moment. Parents are dealing with their children’s anxiety and their own concerns, all while juggling the new roles forced upon them by the pandemic. For this episode of the podcast, we’ll be talking about kids, coronavirus and preparedness. We will hear from three different Red Cross experts who will discuss the emotional impact that COVID-19 is having on kids and ways parents can help keep their kids safe during this crisis and prepared for future emergencies.

• Alec Cecil is a psychologist, formerly with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and currently at Montefiore Medical Center. He works primarily with underserved adolescents and young adults, as well as their families. With the Red Cross, Alec supports our Disaster Mental Health and Service to the Armed Forces teams.
• Jason Lyons leads our preparedness programs at the American Red Cross in Greater NY. Jason is also the father of a young baby girl who was born early during the pandemic.
• Alex Poku, a five-year Red Cross volunteer, teaches kids how to prepare for emergencies and how to cope when disasters occur.

Producer & Host: Michael de Vulpillieres
Editor: Will Wu