POLOKWANE – While learners have either already returned to school, or find themselves in grades that will see a phased return, the experience in itself might be one that brings with it a certain level of anxiety. On the one hand, parents may feel cautious to send their children to school, while on the other hand, learners might be frightened amid all the talk of Covid-19.
Review spoke to a clinical psychologist, Maredi Mothapo, who explained that the current situation is a foreign one that can easily cause anxiousness. “As we adopt new and safer ways of living, this is an added pressure for parents fearing for their children’s lives. It is an adjustment for parents with children that are of school-going age,” he said.
Factors that trigger anxiety in both parents and learners include whether the school has adequate safety measures in place and the possibilities of contracting the virus. “This is enough to provoke anxiety in learners. Parents need to have good communication and give their children psycho-education about this pandemic to help ease the anxiety,” according to Mothapo.
For parents who decide not to send their children to school, it would be better to arrange proper home-schooling so that children don’t feel left out, is his advice.
“They have to establish good communication channels, which include frequent interaction about Covid-19 and helping them vocalise how they feel about not being able to return to school with the rest of their peers. Parents must also be open about their reasons for not letting their children go back to school, so that children understand that their reasons are not ill conceived.”
He recommends psycho-education about the pandemic for parents and children, as he says this can help to ease anxiety in children.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/423471/no-one-owes-you-you-need-to-work-hard-in-order-to-make-your-dream-a-reality/
