Minimising children’s emotional Covid-19 scars

While the impact of Covid-19 on children will vary according on their personal circumstances, the pandemic will leave no one unscathed. Bedfordview-based clinical psychologist Cristine Scolari says children who have experienced the loss of a parent or close relative, or who have been exposed to parental unemployment, will naturally be more affected, but adds that the curtailment of social interaction and the general sense of societal anxiety will leave scars on most children.

“I have seen many children whose interest in schoolwork and activities has been affected; they have lost interest and become despondent. Children and teens who keenly participated in sports and other extramural activities have also taken an emotional knock,” she says.

Scolari says parents must model their behaviour to show children how to manage anxiety and stress.

“Children are perceptive and will pick up immediately if a parent is worried about health or money. The parents can verbalise that they feel a bit anxious about various aspects, without over-burdening the child. Sometimes, parents think that they mustn’t tell a child they’re worried and often the child is left confused because they can see the adults are stressed and worried, yet no one puts a name to that feeling/s.” It is important for parents to help chil[1]dren problem solve, she says.

“A parent could say: ‘I see you are looking/feeling quite worried. When I feel worried, I take a few deep breaths to help me calm down – what do you think will help you?’ Most of the time, children come up with some good solutions.” If that does not work, parents should validate and reassure the child of his/her concerns. “With younger children, we can introduce creative ways of getting them to express their anxieties.

For instance, designate a teddy bear or pet who they can ‘tell’ their worry too, or they can post any worries into a worry box, which mom or dad will respond to in a reassuring way.”