Help Your Kids To Cope

Lockdown is a confusing, distressing time for children – here’s advice on how to guide them through it

- Lesego Seokwang

Sometimes there are tears, other times tantrums, often it’s a combination of the two.

For many parents it’s been bewildering to see their usually sweet-tempered child having a meltdown, especially when it seems to have come from nowhere, as the weeks of lockdown go on.

But it’s not surprising, experts say. If lockdown is hard for adults, imagine how difficult it’s been for kids, who are unable to manage or even verbalise complex emotions.

They can’t see their friends, can’t visit their grandparents, can’t understand why their parents are working while at home – their whole world has been turned upside down and it’s leading to serious breakdowns.

So what can you do to help your child cope with this scary reality of living in a time of coronavirus?

We spoke to experts to help you tackle this tricky time.

A TANTRUM IS NOT JUST A TANTRUM

Acknowledge that your kids may be battling emotionally, says Jasmin Kooverjee, a clinical psychologist based in the psychology department at Wits University.

“Children may become moodier, throw more tantrums, cry and become overwhelmed more than usual,” she says.

CHILDREN BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE

It’s especially difficult for younger kids to understand why their parents are working while at home – usually they were home only over weekends, which meant family time and playing.