Durban and Coastal Mental Health Phoenix recognises the strain that the coronavirus pandemic has placed on the mental well-being of families.
Social worker, Sharleen Pillay acknowledged that parenting has been challenged like never before. She hopes to assist parents with communication skills to begin age appropriate conversations and provide accurate resources to appropriately equip parents with tools to create a safe and healthy adjustment for their children.
“The Covid-19 pandemic means that many of us are staying at home and doing less in terms of social interactions and exercise. This can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. Due to the spread of coronavirus disease across the world, children are affected by physical distancing, quarantines and nationwide school closures. Some children and young people may be feeling more isolated, anxious, bored and uncertain. They may feel fear, and grief, over the impact of the virus on their families,” said Pillay.
She encourages parents to take cognisance of parenting tips from the World Health Organisation. “Create a flexible but consistent daily routine. Make a schedule for you and your children that has time for structured activities as well as free time. This can help children feel more secure and better behaved. Include exercise in each, this helps with stress and kids with lots of energy at home.
“Remember, you are a model for your child’s behaviour. If you practise keeping safe distances and hygiene yourself and treat others with compassion, especially those who are sick and vulnerable, your children and teenagers will learn from you.
“Make hand-washing and hygiene fun. At the end of each day, take a minute to think about the day. Tell your child about one positive or fun thing they did and praise yourself for what you did well for the day,” said Pillay.
