On this bonus episode, we’re talking about coronavirus – what it is, and what we can do. We also give tips for handling feelings of worry and fear, and we sing a hand washing song that you can sing to make sure you’re washing your hands long enough.
Show Notes
COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation. For the most accurate and up to date information, rely on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Like You is listener supported. Learn how you can support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.
Like You is written and produced by Noah Glenn. The show’s artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. Our social media feeds are managed by Noah and Lindsey Glenn.
This episode features original music by Noah Glenn, as well as additional music by Night Park and Skygaze.
Find Like You online at likeyoupodcast.com.
This podcast is designed for kids, but our social media feeds are geared toward their parents. So grown-ups, give us a follow:
Transcript
Hi everybody! My name is Noah, and this is a special bonus episode of Like You. I want to talk to you about something that you may have heard a lot of people taking about lately: the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. So I am releasing this extra podcast on a different day than I usually do, and I’ll also be posting a hand washing song in the podcast feed as its own separate episode. You may have heard about the Coronavirus from your parents or a teacher or your friends. It certainly seems to have a lot of people – both kids and grownups – feeling scared, worried, or even panicked. One of the main things we do on Like You is talk about our feelings, and what we can do with them. It is always good to talk about what you are feeling with a grownup who loves you. Whatever is mentionable is manageable. That means that if you have the courage to talk about something, you can find a solution and figure out what to do.
So let’s talk about the coronavirus. What is it? Coronavirus is a new illness that has spread quickly to many countries around the world. There are lots of doctors, scientists, and other grownups who are working very hard to prevent the virus from spreading, and to make a new kind of medicine to help prevent it as well.
There are a few things that you can do to keep it from spreading. One of the best things to do is to wash our hands very good throughout the day. Use soap and water, and wash for 20 seconds, making sure you get every part of your hands clean. This helps get rid of germs and keep you healthy. 20 seconds is about how long it takes to sing the alphabet like this. [sings alphabet] Later in the podcast I’ll also play you a song I wrote for you to sing while you are washing your hands.
Another thing to do, is to be sure you cover your mouth when you cough. It is best to cough into your elbow, or onto your sleeve.
And the third big thing you can do is to avoid big crowds of people. That’s why many of you may hear that your school is being canceled for a few weeks while grownups pay close attention to the virus. I know it might not feel like fun to be inside your home for a long time, but right now it’s one of the best ways to keep the virus from spreading. Things might feel very different for a while. You might be going out a lot less, and that is a good thing.
With all of this going on, it’s no wonder that many people are feeling nervous, scared, or worried. Have you felt any of those things?
What can we do when we feel scared or worried? Do you have any ideas?
Many of the things we do on this podcast are things that can help us feel calm when things around us make us scared or worried. One of those things is breathing slowly and deeply like we always do. Let’s try taking a few slow breaths now. Breathe in 123 and out 123. Once more in 123 and out 123.
Remember, you can practice breathing like that any time you want to feel calm, not just when you’re listening to the podcast
It can also help us feel better to use our imaginations, to relax our bodies, and to think about things that make us happy. These are all things we do often on Like You. You can listen back to past episodes of the podcast that you’ve enjoyed like cooling your hot chocolate, learning to relax head to toe, or giving yourself a present.
I hope you will remember that there are people around you who love you, who are taking care of you. Please be patient with one another when you can tell that someone is having a bad day, and be sure to share your feelings when grownups who can talk to you.
Right now, let’s say a few affirmations, and then I’ll end the show with a hand washing song. I’ll say each affirmation twice. Listen the first time, then repeat it with me the second time.
I like me.
I have courage and confidence.
I am in control of my feelings.
I can do hard things.
The world needs someone like me.
Great job. Now I want to play you a short song that you can sing next time you’re washing your hands.
Wash your hands good and long
Wash your hands while you sing this song
Scrub your fingers and scrub your thumbs
Keep on washing til the song is done
Front and back and in between
Make sure every part is clean
Now rinse rinse rinse rinse
Rinse rinse rinse
And dry dry dry dry
Dry dry dry
Like You is written and produced by me, Noah Glenn. I also composed and performed the Like You theme music and the original song, Wash Your Hands. The podcast artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. A quick word for the grown-ups: we could really use your support to keep this podcast going. Please consider becoming a patron by visiting patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. You can also help others find the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, and be sure to help us spread the word by telling your friends about the show. Learn more about us on our website, likeyoupodcast.com and be sure to follow us on instagram facebook, and twitter @likeyoupod. Thanks for listening, and wash your hands!
