During the present unprecedented time that requires us to engage in social distancing and limit contact with others, it is important for parents to recognise the impact this may have on their children’s emotional well-being, says expert.
Parents are encouraged to provide increased opportunities for healthy, appropriate interactions with the family at home. In addition, children will benefit from engaging in daily virtual conversations with their peers and friends through video chat platforms. Due to the increased stress for all, children may exhibit regressed behaviour and/or acting out behaviours. While this affects everyday lives, Qatar marks National Family Day On April 15.
Dr.Tracy Hardister (pictured), Director of The Learning Center (TLC) of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, speaking to The Peninsula offer some guidance to support parents, as well as help children to cope with the changes and minimise the overall impact of these changes and enjoy family time.
She has encouraged parents to offer support, encouragement, and reassurance to their children. If parents are concerned about their child’s well-being or mental health, they should reach out to the school counsellor or a mental health professional in the community.
“As parents, supporting learning and keeping a sense of normalcy and routine for children is important, especially during school closures. As schools and teachers work to create distance-learning plans, parents themselves are juggling many changes for themselves and their families, including work situations and basic needs,” said Dr. Hardister.
“Attempting this while trying to keep their children engaged with learning at home can feel overwhelming. Please consider the following ideas to help support your children through online learning,” she added.
Dr Hardister advised parents to remain calm and reassure children to reduce the anxiety about COVID-19.
“Let your children talk about their feelings and help reframe their concerns into the appropriate perspective. Check-in with them about what they are hearing. Children may not fully understand all the information that they are receiving. Having a discussion with your children or with your family can reduce any anxiety that your children have from the news, and gives parents an opportunity to clarify any misinformation a child may have received,” said Dr. Hardister.
She also strongly recommends to limit family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. “Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand. Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members,” said Dr. Hardister.
Parents are also advised to maintain a schedule for the day to help children maintain some structure and predictability in their lives. Getting out of bed at a regular time, continuing with a consistent bedtime and a time specifically set aside for learning gives students a sense of normalcy and routine.
“Involve children in the establishment of a daily timetable. It may also be helpful to have a beginning and end of the “school day” with break times for meals, play, schoolwork, rest, house chores, family time, etc. While on breaks, create moments of fun and relaxation throughout the week. Because most families are being asked to self-isolate, make sure that you build fun and engaging activities into the family routines - game nights, cooking meals together, doing workouts using online videos, mindfulness, arts & crafts, etc.,” said Dr. Hardister.
Dr. Hardister also advises to get some type of physical exercise every day, maintain a well-balanced diet and get enough sleep. And stay connected to family and friends through socializing via video chats and social media.
“Family time is important to everyone. Staying at home over an extended period of time can be stressful for the entire family,” Dr. Hardister.
“We are here to support the students and make this transition to online learning as stress-free as possible, while trying to maintain a supportive learning environment for the students. Play games, eat meals together, look at old family photos and take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy this extra time with the family,” she added.
