When Corona becomes a burden for children and families

SCHOTTEN (lmb). Experts and parents now actually agree: Children are the ones who suffer the most in the pandemic. That’s why there was an information evening in Schotten on the subject – and space to get into conversation.

“Youth after Corona” – under this motto, FaJuSo (family and youth welfare in the social area), together with the youth initiative and the Schotten multi-generation house, offered an open exchange for parents and their children last Thursday. The aim was to create space to talk about the challenge that Corona means for families.

In the premises of the Schotten youth center, the social worker Niko Doll welcomed those interested and guided them through the evening with specific questions. A wide variety of problems arose in the conversation, from lack of childcare to loneliness to disturbed children.

Due to the many and quickly changing rules, all parents agreed that it was difficult to explain the situation to children. The parents were also concerned that the so-called Corona generation could lack some things in terms of development. Especially in youth, the understanding and feeling for interpersonal relationships develop. But instead of making friends and promoting social skills, children are urged to maintain a constant distance and caution.

At a time when it is important to have an open ear and support for children, Corona has pushed parents to their limits. In the course of the evening it became clear that even after Corona, or already now, a lot can and must be done to support the children. The 31-year-old mother Laura Kammer noted that outside help is important right now, many parents, especially single parents, are overwhelmed at this time with having to take on the role of teachers, having their own fears due to the pandemic and the children, who are increasingly afraid of school to take away their worries.

Room for young people

This is exactly where Doll and his three colleagues from the Schotten youth initiative come in; they offer children and young people space to develop freely and to talk to them about problems and fears. Children and young people of all ages have the opportunity to come to the youth center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Furthermore, the FaJuSo, in cooperation with the multigenerational house and the youth initiative, offers a variety of projects in Schotten. Whether homework help, football, research or cookery group, the list of offers has something for all interests and all ages. This should relieve parents and help children and young people to make contacts again, to develop ideas and to be creative at a time characterized by distance and rules. Now parents and social workers like Niko Doll are hoping for a turning point and for giving children and young people the opportunity to enjoy learning and community again.

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