How Should Parents Support Children During the Pandemic Period?

Moving home due to the pandemic, the online lessons, homework, and differentiated routine of life put parents and children into an impasse.

The emotional states of the children who moved away from their social environment started to change rapidly. The pressure on adults has increased. So, how should mothers and fathers manage this process? How is it possible to create an atmosphere of peace at home by establishing a play-school balance? Emre Konuk, the Founding President of the Institute of Clinical Psychologist and DBE Behavioral Sciences, explains ...

2020 has been a tough year for everyone. The pandemic broke our routine in many areas from business life to education. It is not easy for adults to get used to this new COVID-19 system. What about children?

Anxiety and other emotional states related to anxiety are increasing in children who are locked away from home, who are away from their friends and who have to fit all the colors of the school on the digital screen.

The World Health Organization describes the impact of the pandemic on the psychology of children as follows: “Although all children perceive change, young children may have difficulty understanding the changes that occur. They can express themselves with anger. They may want to be closer to their parents. When they realize that they can put more demands on the parents, they feel extremely pressured. "

So, it experienced in millions of households in these days in Turkey and will no longer how to deal with situations like this definition we are familiar with? How should parents manage the stress and anxiety of their child's COVID-19 crisis during the pandemic? How should a balance be struck between the child's school responsibilities and the game world?

Clinical Psychologist and Founding President of DBE Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Emre Konuk points out that the process is difficult for both parties. Guest; “It is really difficult to put restrictions on the game while trying to put the children in front of the computer for school and homework and to balance the lessons and games at home. If this situation and its reasons are not explained to the child, especially children in the younger age group may have difficulties in adapting. Serious conflicts can arise between the child and the parents. If the relationship deteriorates, the child will stubbornly stop doing what the parents want or care about. Therefore, we must explain the process well to them. We must clearly and decisively explain that this is 'home education', that education has moved from school to home due to the virus epidemic, and that she has to attend classes every day. In this regard, parents should use the same language and stand behind these words in practice. Parents should not let go of follow-up, sanction when the child does not attend classes, zamin their moments of fun for the things they love zamHe should know at the moment ”he says.

How should it support children?

Saying “A clear, determined, solid and consistent stance is essential”, Konuk said; “When they see clearly defined boundaries that it is not possible to stretch, children will become more accepting and increase their adaptation. It is imperative to give information to children. The information to be given should be adjusted according to the age and development level of the child. Personal concerns should not be reflected on the child. It should be clearly explained to children why we are at home, why this situation is still continuing, and what we need to do for precautionary purposes. It should be said that we will inform them again as there are new developments. SHE IS zamChildren feel much more comfortable and safe at the moment. He says, "We are at our home, in our safe place ... We will overcome all this together, go out again, you will meet your friends at school ..."

"Social development has been negatively affected ..."

Drawing attention to the problems children experience in socialization, Konuk said, “With the process, socialization will necessarily continue online only. This situation will of course negatively affect their social development to a certain extent. It is important to support them in order not to be detached from their friends, even from a distance. Talking on the phone or computer with their friends and playing online games as a group should be allowed to a certain extent. Chat in the home environment zammoments must be created; will allow them to express their own feelings and thoughts, feel cared for, and enjoy zam"Creating moments should not be neglected."

Primary school 1st graders and those preparing for the exam are the most challenging group.

Stating that the period is more critical for the students who are just starting primary school and the group preparing for the exam, Konuk said, “They were the student group that was affected most negatively by this process. The place of our first experiences in our education life has a vital importance throughout our life. This is the first zamIn moments, it is very valuable to be able to give children the perception that learning is enjoyable. Therefore, it is necessary to be a partner in their journey, without putting pressure on them, by appreciating it with good words and joy after every new thing learned. 'Every day you learn new things, grow, wonder, ask questions. It makes me very happy to see you like this. I am proud of you. ' We should support them with expressions like. Of course, this year, when a great uncertainty prevailed in all aspects of the world, the anxiety of the students preparing for the exam increased. Unfortunately, the motivation of the students has been very negatively affected and continues to do so. "As adults, we should try not to reflect our fears on children," he said.