Page 27 - Blue Valley Issue 4 2020 print.pdf

LIFESTYLE

screen time. This is something that needs to
be taught and role modelled.

Whether it is IG, fortnite, tiktok, funimate,
roblox or the likes, the online world is not the
real world. We can motivate according to our
own perspectives, use these unprecedented
times as an excuse and find all the supporting
evidence we want to, so as to explain away
why we are allowing such extended screen
time. However, the reality is we live in the
real world, promoting an ‘avatar existence’
is problematic. Fostering online identities
which go unchecked or unbalanced with the
real world experiences is seeding problems
for the future.
Safer at home:
At the start of the lockdown, we pushed the
“safer at home” discourse. Now we are asked
to buy into the “school is safe” narrative. As
an adult, this 360-degree shift is difficult to
work with, now imagine how a child processes
this. The international research community
appears confident in their advice regarding
return to school. I am a parent and I also feel
the pull towards keeping my girls at home
where they are “safe and virus-free”. As a
psychologist (and a parent), I remind myself
that attending school is normal. Interacting
with peers, debating issues, making and not
making the soccer team, and wearing a school
uniform are all normal things to do. In a time
when so much has been eroded away, we
need to at least try to engage in the dialogue
around returning to school and continuing our
lives. We also need to remember that children
are a lot more resilient than we are as adults.
They adapt to change (wearing masks and
social distancing) quickly and learn to put their
best foot forward to continue having fun.

Concerning behaviour:
When something big happens in our lives, it The COVID-19 situation has been a shared,
is tempting to see everything in that context. traumatic experience for individuals, families
Contrary to popular belief not everything and communities, as well as nations. There is
can be blamed on COVID-19. Concerning a need to process and understand what has
behaviour is still concerning behaviour, happened. We need this understanding so
despite it occurring during COVID times. that we may grieve the losses that the family
Poor/bad behaviour still needs boundaries and community have experienced. This will • Marital, Couples & Family
and discipline, perhaps even more so during enable us to work together in finding a way Therapy
COVID times because discipline provides forward. For healing to occur, we need to • Counselling Children,
children with security. In other words, even unpack the conversation concerning our Adolescents & Adults
though things are upside down in my world, experiences and build connections. This • “Teen” Challenges
“...mom and dad still have rules that remain should be done whilst being mindful that • Behavioural & Adjustment
constant therefore my life is still stable and individual experiences are unique and no Challenges
I am ‘safe’”. On the side of mental health, one view is more important. Moving forward • Stress-Related Challenges
a few things to watch include: change in and growing through these experiences is • Adjustment to Depression &
mood, tiredness, anger outbursts, secretive possible despite everything that is happening. Anxiety
behaviour and signs of self-harming. • Subject & Career Counselling
The way in which we create spaces for growth
and movement is in how we talk about • Psychometric Testing
You are part of the team: things. We need to talk in ways that promote
Some of the challenges facing you may our moving forward, that promote the future For an appointment please call
seem overwhelming, but other people are and all the things we are striving for. 083 376 1995
facing them too. Learn to draw from each
other’s strengths and build each other up Fees are charged according to Scale of
Certainly, there are obstacles, but by focusing
when we can. Your team is broader than your less on the obstacles and more on the journey Benefits
home. Your team includes friends, family, to overcome them, we create the reality in
school community and anyone who has which the obstacles will be overcome! BV Pr. Nr. 0860000114022
demonstrated a similar approach to building Reg. No.: PS 0080543
a future, despite the constraints.

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 4 2020 • 25