Much has been written about the impacts of COVID-19 on society at large. Lockdowns, social distancing, the compulsory wearing of masks, broken businesses, working from home, unemployment, financial hardship and school closures have become unfortunate hallmarks of 2020.
But perhaps it’s the children who the run the risk of becoming a long-term mental health statistic.
In a recent article in theconversation.com, it is reported that COVID-19 has contributed to 750,000 Australian children being exposed to the financial stress and anxiety of parents due to job loss, financial hardships, stresses, and anxiety. These issues have directly contributed to children’s vulnerability at home, in their community and their school environments.
Associated COVID-19 restrictions combined with parents’ financial hardships and struggles to manage their mental health have caused a “home disruption” at staggering levels, which our generation has never experienced before. Children have been caught up in the ripple effect. Some children have had to leave school early, students are becoming more disengaged, need to repeat a grade or have even delayed or opted not continue with their university studies.
While our government, primary and secondary schools have a role to play in the welfare of our children, it is us as parents, who also have the core responsibility of supporting the physical and emotional well-being of our children. Schools can contribute by integrating children back into the school environment with care and sensitivity and helping to re-engage students with the curriculum and their friendship groups. But ultimately, it’s parents who must take a lead role in reducing the vulnerability and fear felt by their children and providing a sense of stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
Children observe and mimic parents’ behaviour and emotions – parents need to stay positive and focus… no negative-nellie tantrums in front of the kids!
Parents need to demonstrate leadership within the family dynamics. Communication for a child-parent relationship needs to become more astute, with two-way conversations encouraged. Take more time out and ask questions about how your child is feeling, and become more open about discussing the current situation and challenges we are facing and experiencing.
The Conversation.com has a great read about “What to tell your kids about COVID-19“.
I invite you to read and adopt any communication tips with your children.
Children who experience more parental support and family cohesiveness display fewer symptoms of anxiety, stress, or trauma. They also run a lower risk factor of developing mental health issues later in life. Just being able to spend more time with your children will have an enormous benefit to the both of you!
On a social scale, the pandemic has had some silver linings. Our communities are now more open to discussing mental health and neighbours began talking with each other. The Federal Government increased the number of mental health care plan sessions from 10 to 20 and eliminated the restriction of only providing telehealth services to remote communities – a huge win for those experiencing mental health issues. As parents, we can use this as a springboard to become more open when it comes to discussing tricky topics with our children. Also, how we model resilience will become life lessons for them –
and this presents an excellent parenting opportunity, albeit under highly difficult circumstances.
To adequately take care of your children’s mental health, you cannot neglect your own. If you’re a parent or family member who is are feeling overwhelmed and not coping, support is readily available. Seeking help early is recommended – prevention is always better than cure and resetting the mindset can safeguard the mental health of parent and child. A visit to your GP is always recommended as the first step.
