Page 31 - Silver Lakes August 2021

TODAY’S CHILD

coping mechanisms which the family as solving with their children. Wonderful childrens’ and teens’ mental health. But all
a team and children individually are to learning can take place concerning how the studies state that a return to routine
follow. For this, use of reminders on the mom and dad handle disappointments and structure, and freedom to see friends
phone may be encouraged, for example and uncertainties more positively. For and do more things, will help. Until then,
a family WhatsApp group. each disappointment and uncertainty, we need to remain calm and do what we
• Children thrive in routine environments. there should be an alternative. Instil can to mitigate the fallout.
Efforts should therefore be made a sense of control whenever possible.
towards a consistent routine to be Parents can include teens in the
followed by the child, with enough decision-making process especially in
opportunities to play, read, rest and matters related to them.
engage in physical activity. One such • Teens are expected to have better
routine is a regular bedtime. Sometimes knowledge about COVID-19 than young
it is before bedtime that children may children. Therefore, communication
need some more time and attention. needs to be more open and non-
• Try focussing on good behaviour directive. As parents, we need to
rather than bad behaviour. Parents remember their peers provide a wealth • Marital, Couples & Family
may try providing praise and social of information, false and true, that may Therapy
reinforcement. need further discussion. • Counselling Children,
• It is quite possible that parents may • It is crucial to value the peer support Adolescents & Adults
observe some change in the behaviour system of the teen. Parents should • “Teen” Challenges
of children during the times of a encourage teens who are introverts • Behavioural & Adjustment
pandemic. If the behaviour problems to keep in touch with their peers and Challenges
are minor and not harmful to children communicate with them about their • Stress-Related Challenges
and others, parents should consider feelings and common problems they • Adjustment to Depression &
ignoring them. This may lead to a face. This may also assist in developing Anxiety
decrease in the particular behaviour appropriate problem-solving later in • Subject & Career Counselling
and also help in giving space to each life. • Psychometric Testing
other. • As impossible as it sounds, excessive
internet use should be avoided as it For an appointment please call
Teens results in anxiety. Try and negotiate 083 376 1995
Apart from the areas discussed above, screen time limits even though this is a
certain areas which need special focus in very difficult arena to step into. Fees are charged according to Scale of
the teenage phase are described below: • As parents, we need to take our own Benefits
mental health requirements seriously
• Parents are the best role models for teens and try to cope with stress adaptively. Practice Address: 27 Fish Eagle Street,
and home is the best place to learn the Silver Lakes, Pretoria
life skills. Hence, this is a great time for Long-term consequences of the
parents to model the most important pandemic on children is unclear. Pr. Nr. 0860000114022
life skills...such as coping with stress, Based on my reading, it is too soon to know Reg. No.: PS 0080543
coping with emotions and problem- about the long-term effects of COVID on

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