2020 has been a dramatic and unpredictable year so far and, for many of us, our heads are spinning with all the changes we are experiencing! During Child Health Month this August, we pause for a moment and consider how the children are doing in all of this.
School closures, social distancing and widespread publicity about Corona have transformed children’s lives. Many of the support systems of childcare, extended family, schools and religious groups are now out of reach or, if available, there are new risks and safety measures involved. Where Granny and Grandpa used to ease the parenting load, now they must keep at a distance for their own safety. Where school gave children structure and a place to run, laugh and learn, these needs must now be fulfilled at home within the family, where every day can feel much the same.
The Role of Parents
Children do as their parents do and will take their cue from the adults around them, so it is useful to remain vigilant but calm at the same time – a tall order, but the most helpful approach.
As any parent or teacher knows, keeping children in a restricted environment is not first prize and they need positive outside influences for their development, as well as a safe home space. Online connections are a wonderful antidote to isolation, but of course, managing screen time and parental controls are more important than ever!
Watch out for unspoken fears that crop up and deal with them compassionately and openly. The usual moods and challenges for teens may well be exaggerated in these times. Tummy aches, headaches and unexpected bedwetting in young children all point to them being stressed and are normal reactions to feeling unsettled, so be mindful of this but remember that these symptoms are unlikely to be permanent. Do what you can to help children keep up with education but be realistic about it as well – you are not alone in your concerns about this and together we are finding solutions.
As in all crisis situations, it’s best to focus on the basics and leave the non-essentials for later when things have calmed down a bit. Consciously carrying out a well-balanced wellness programme is key.
Nutrition is a central element and one over which we thankfully have some control. Shopping for healthy staples and snacks will counteract bingeing on pizza and ice-cream.
Normal sleep patterns are basic to healthy growth and mood. Maintaining the diurnal rhythm as much as possible normalises the environment and keep biological clocks ticking as they should.
Exercise. The World Health Organisation recommends 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity for 6 to 17 year olds. Fortunately, we get to exercise outdoors – a great advantage to make the most of! Break up long periods of sitting with stretching to keep muscles from stiffening up and to freshen energy supplies.
Online safety is another critical factor. Keep communication open with your children so that if they are feeling uncomfortable about anything that comes across their screens, they know that they can talk with you about it. Check privacy settings and use child safety software on children’s devices to keep track of their activity.
Friends. With little opportunity for face to face interaction, having the online companionship of friends provides children with social support. Keeping up with friendships is important for when children return to school in an unusual environment. For younger children, there may be activities such as card games that they can play over video call. For older children, small Zoom gatherings are great. Online games like Minecraft and Roblox are good virtual ways to play and socialize. Encourage teens to make phone calls or send each other voice notes so that they keep up their conversational skills.
Family. A good phone call may be the best option with family, as research shows that video conferencing can be stressful and may emphasise feelings of separation, whilst text messaging can feel impersonal. Share stories, problems and memories with each other just as you would before.
Mental Health. Urge children to ask questions and take time to thoughtfully respond. Playing games together, drawing or painting and sharing stories provides assurance and helps them to understand the present situation and accept it. Be truthful without stimulating new fears. Remind them to check information with you and limit exposure to news.
Reinforce hygiene practices in a calm and pragmatic way and remind children that when we all follow these habits, we help to keep each other safe.
References
Arnold, L. (2020). 4 tips for staying connected during coronavirus, from migrants who live far from family. The Conversation. Retrieved 29 July 2020, from https://theconversation.com/4-tips-for-staying-connected-during-coronavirus-from-migrants-who-live-far-from-family-134362.
Buheji, Hassani, Ebrahim, Cunha, Jahrami, Baloshi, & Hubail. (2020). Children and Coping During COVID-19: A Scoping Review of Bio-Psycho-Social Factors. International Journal Of Applied Psychology, 10(1), 8-15. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijap.20201001.02
Worika, K. (2020). Missing their friends? A guide for lockdown parents with lonely kids. The Guardian. Retrieved 29 July 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/keep-connected/2020/may/20/missing-their-friends-a-guide-for-lockdown-parents-with-lonely-kids.
