The children return to school on November 2, in a very special context. A period that can cause them anxiety. Discover the signs not to be overlooked, in a forum signed by Catherine Verdier, psychologist specializing in children and adolescents.
It’s a rather special return from vacation this week: parents at home and children at school. A whole new normal that is taking hold, as strange as it is frightening against a backdrop of a galloping pandemic and international anxiety. Our children will "come out" from the family cocoon to face the outside. It will not be without anxiety for the little ones as for the adults.
Alarm signals
This second confinement therefore does not concern children who are invited to return to school while their parents will be telecommuting as far as possible. The continuity of learning and social ties are part of the psychological well-being of children. We know that they are endowed with many resources and capable of adaptability (to the mask for example).
However, the ambient stress, worry for his health and that of his parents, the abnormality of the situation mean that children can present certain signs that should not be overlooked:
- Sleeping difficulties and nightmares
- Separation difficulties
- Psychosomatic illnesses
- Irritability, crying, aggressiveness
- Enuresis
- Appetite disturbances
- Withdrawal
This involves worrying when symptoms set in over time, whether their intensities prevent them from living normally, or if they are very numerous.
Read also: Mask compulsory from 6 years old: here is where to buy masks for your child
How to protect children?
We are living in an uncertain and trying period which upsets our projects and makes us insecure about our present and our future. However, children need to believe in us. It is normal to be afraid and this emotion allows us to adapt to circumstances when we feel in danger.
- With words adapted to the age of the child you can express your concern and especially listen to his and make it express itself through speech, play, drawing… Speech at all costs is not always recommended depending on the personality of the child. For older children, let them express themselves as they wish, listen to them, as available as possible. For the youngest, puppet or storytelling games are supports that allow them to put this somewhat overwhelming fear at a distance.
- Remember to encourage the expression of positive emotions throughout the day. For them and for you it will do you the greatest good!
- Ask your child what he has understood and above all correct any bad information or false beliefs that they are apt to invent.
- Reassure the child that everything is being done at home, at school and on the streets to fight the pandemic and to care for those who are sick.
- Avoid watching the news continuously. Do not expose your children to media, social networks alone and limit access to screens.
How to support the children?
In the midst of all this anxiety, let's let kids be kids and don't make them grow up too fast:
- Organize routines and cut out the week by alternating activities: creative activities, board games, crafts, cooking, outdoor activities (respecting the instructions) …
- Let them play and relax.
- Be flexible with homework and don't add stress to stress.
- Do relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga.
- Maintain contact with family and friends (skype, face time…).
As for parents, they remain the best example for children. So, consider practicing regular physical activity and relaxing activities, preserve your rest, exchange with your loved ones and above all, prefer official sites to social networks as a source of information.
Have confidence in yourself and your children!
“50 benevolent activities to prevent bullying at school”, Larousse, 2020
"# I like others, good relations at school", Editions du Rocher, September 2017
www.catherine-verdier.com