Monitoring Children’s Mental Health During a Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has not only caused stress for adults but also children.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Changes in family life due to the Covid-19 pandemic, not only affect the stress patterns of adults but also children. However, children are often unable to express directly that they feel stress due to limited conditions like today.

According to Verauli, M. Psi., Psi. Clinical Psychologists of Children, Adolescents and Families, oftentimes stress in children cannot be seen. Children also cannot communicate clearly their feelings. However, parents can also monitor their children’s mental health as well as overcome them.

“Child no can say ‘Mah, I’m stressed you know’. Check whether there is a change in behavior, does the child’s emotions become more negative, unlike younger siblings and when communicating with parents?,” Vera said in a statement talk show with Cussons Kids, Sunday (25/7).

Vera continued that children still need a special life at their age, especially the age of six and under. The typical activity of children is none other than playing. Children’s play activities at least five hours a day, need to consist of active, passive play, so everything needs to be balanced.

Children need to be active in creating their own games, for example playing house, palace, with their parents. Then play passively, either with ready-made toys, story books or other means.

Vera added that varied play activities can make child mental healthy, keep them motivated to achieve better achievements. Because when playtime is fulfilled ideally, children will have the desire, motivation to learn while playing, and exploration within themselves.

The main thing that parents need to do is manage anxiety within themselves, so it doesn’t have a negative influence on their children. Because, if parents are actually feeling anxious due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, usually this will affect children’s activities at home.

As a parent, it is important to maintain a routine for your child. Even though the variety of children’s activities has decreased due to the pandemic, you should find ways to do things at home to help children feel calmer.

For example, provide regular play time with children. You should also avoid passive activities, such as sitting watching television or letting children play gadgets for too long without supervision.

“Because it will make mood children tend to be less well, and can actually make their psychological health not run optimally, “added Roslina.

Singing, dancing, and playing games can be some of the ways to relieve children’s boredom. PZ Cussons Indonesia presents CK Play to support children’s play activities at home. Thus, it is hoped that the child will have a strong personality and be ready to face the challenges of the pandemic in the future.

“We also pray for parents to be patient and enthusiastic in facing this extraordinary challenge,” said Raisa Maldini, Brand Manager of Cussons Kids Indonesia.

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