Page 34 - Blue Valley News August/September 2021

TODAY’S CHILD
can have long-term effects on the perceived
attachment of the child. Thankfully, the period
of quarantine and isolation due to COVID-19
is limited to 10 days; therefore, the disruption
to attachment during this time should be
minimal as it returns to stability relatively
soon. However, parents who are physically
present but emotionally absent will still have
an impact on children’s attachment going
forward. Therefore, it is vital that parents
take good care of their emotional well-being
during the extended time of the pandemic.
Possible effects on school and
university going students
Unfortunately, the closures of schools and
universities have negatively impacted
on the school/university population.
The home confinement of children and
teens is associated with uncertainty and
anxiety which is attributable to disruption
in their education, physical activities and
opportunities for socialising. Absence of a
structured school setting results in disruption
in routine, boredom and lack of ideas for
engaging in various academic and extra-
curricular activities. Some children have
expressed disinterest in playing outdoors,
meeting friends and engaging in person.
These children have become more attention
seeking and more dependent on their
parents due to the change in their routine.
Consequently, the lack of social engagement
imposed on them can have a long-term
negative effect on their well-being.
The social isolation has had a significant
impact on teens. This is their main
developmental life stage, when they are
with peers and figuring out who they are
outside of their families. I am seeing a lot
more depression and anxiety symptoms
in this age group. On the other hand, some
teens are thriving. They have enjoyed being
online. They were able to sleep more, spend
more time with their families and continue to
communicate with or see friends.
But concerns need to be raised if your
ordinarily outgoing teen shows little interest
in messaging or video calls from their friends,
a loss of interest in activities previously
enjoyed, changes in appetite, weight or
eating patterns, and changes in appearance,
such as lack of personal hygiene. The latter
should be within reason, since many are
practicing slightly less hygiene during this
time at home, as they are not going out.
Furthermore, children's increased use of the Young children Efforts should therefore be made towards
internet and social media predisposes them • Younger children demand more attention a consistent routine to be followed by
to use the internet compulsively and access from their parents. They need their parents’ the child, with enough opportunities to
questionable content; this may also increase physical presence and need to engage play, read, rest and engage in physical
their vulnerability to being bullied or abused. in more play related activities with them. activity. One such routine is a regular
Parents should try to devote time to bedtime. Sometimes it is before bedtime
Role of parents provide the child with positive attention that children may need more time and
In times of stress and uncertainty, a secure and reassurance. attention.
family environment in which the parents can • The parents might also try to model • Try focussing on good behaviour rather
provide reassurance is a strong protective appropriate preventative measures and than bad behaviour. Parents may try
factor. There is evidence in research to show coping mechanisms which the family as providing praise and social reinforcement.
that parental practices and coping measures a team and children individually are to • It is quite possible that parents may
affect the children's mental health after follow. For this, use of reminders on the observe some change in the behaviour of
traumatic events. Parents need to respond phone may be encouraged, for example a children during the times of a pandemic.
to the needs of their children based on the family WhatsApp group. If the behaviour problems are minor and
developmental phase of the child: • Children thrive in routine environments. not harmful to children and others, parents

32 • Issue 4 2021 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS