From increasing rates of mental health challenges to concerns about rising levels of abuse and neglect, and the potential harm being done to the development of children’s health and learning, the pandemic is a threat to the legacy of the nation’s youth, as well as to parents who desperately try to help their children, but feel helpless themselves.
Even though children are not likely to get seriously ill with Covid-19, they have fallen victim to the virus and all this pandemic has brought to each and every person’s life.
According to Adéle Bronkhorst, who is the founder of EduVision, a qualified child counsellor, educational coach and brain profile practitioner, there has been an increase in the number of children who are in need of counselling, for example due to their parents divorcing, academic and peer pressure, anxiety and depression brought about by social distancing, and keeping up with school work.
She added that parents experience increasing concerns about money, conflict with their partners and of course the stress caused by the pandemic. Some might think that their children are too young or not mature enough to know that something is going on, although often the opposite is true. Adele reminded parents that their children are also fighting their own battles.
“Children need to learn that just as their parents need to be patient with them, they need to offer the same support. Covid-19 has taught us many lessons that we can honour and take with us as we journey through life, one of them being that no child, parent, mother, father or grandparent has remained untouched by these horrific times,” she said.
These factors tend to have a lasting effect on children and their capability to absorb new information, and to keep up with what’s expected of them at school, such as to wear a mask, adhere to social distancing rules, stay in their blocks, not share their food, and not to hug their friends. This could scar our children for many years to come, as we are not allowed to be the social beings we were created to be.
“It is nearly impossible for parents to give their children the assistance they need with their school work, as parents too are very busy and very stressed. This is especially concerning as children are already behind with their school work due to the time lost,” she said.
In an effort to assist parents and provide them with the information they need to support their children with their school work as best they can, Adéle is now offering a brand-new service.
“I perform neurological tests on the child to get more information about the child’s neurological needs. The results will show me how they think and how they best absorb information. and enable me to put together a personalised study plan just for the child. These methods will optimise their ability to catch up, summarise and revise their work,” she explained.
She said children aren’t geared for online learning. Since no two children learn the same way, it might be especially challenging for learners who absorb information best by listening to an educator in class. With that element removed from the children’s learning process, they might struggle with retaining the information.
Now more than ever the children need time and attention to stay on track. The amount of information children need to process in a single day is phenomenal, and this can leave them feeling stressed and anxious, Adéle said.
She also emphasised the importance of children being allowed to be children. Parents often transfer their stress to their children without even realising it. Children, explained Adéle, can’t deal with that additional stress.
Instead, it’s imperative that parents set good examples to enable their children to better identify and acknowledge their own emotions and feelings, as they will be more likely to have a happy and successful adulthood.
She is also in the process of equipping crèches with online learning skills through the use of tablets, because the future effects of Covid-19 are still unknown and it’s better to teach little ones about technology from a young age. Adéle acknowledged the fact that no parent is ever perfect, but it’s imperative that they focus on their children, especially during these times.
“We can’t turn back time and make things better, but we can start with the basic building blocks. We can build and rearrange these blocks from the beginning to ensure our children can perform to the best of their capabilities, whatever there circumstances might be,” she said.
This passionate practitioner usually performs the neurological tests on those aged six to adulthood, and discusses the results with the children and their parents. Children older than 10 can complete the test online.
She is also excited to host a study method course from October 4 to 9. If you are interested in the course, or would like to find out more, feel free to contact Adéle on 081 046 2773 or send an email to adele@eduvision.co.za.
