The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) on Thursday presented advice on measures that children and families can take to cope during the COVID-19 outbreak and urged that `doomsday’ information be avoided.
On Thursday, during Guyana’s COVID-19 update, director of the CPA, Ann Greene, stated that the threat of the outbreak poses challenges to children and families as parents and guardians are now suddenly responsible for managing the children’s education as a result of schools being closed. She added that with the measures implemented during the partial lockdown, some families are currently facing a lack of adequate resources and coping with that has also caused tension and anxiety in the home.
Greene noted that there are a number of ways that parents can manage their anxiety and frustration with children during these times. She noted, “When the going gets tough, step away, take a break, go into another room or step outside into the yard… take deep breaths or a quick shower.” With that she further advised that persons limit their exposure to social media and all of the “doomsday” information that may have them thinking that the world is over. The director said that that kind of exposure can cause further anxiety which is passed on to children in the home. “Try creating structure in the home. It is said that it is easy for children to get bored or fretful if they’re facing a day without structure,” she added while stating that a day without structure is a setting for anxiety to thrive as it was recommended that chores, school work and free time be alternated. It was further recommended that parents spend time with their children doing activities such as playing board games, baking or even starting a kitchen garden.
It was also noted that since children are at home with no school, the rules for children having screen time be it with television or of their tablets and phones can be relaxed a bit as it will do them no harm. However, it was suggested that parents keep their children informed about what is happening but for it to be kept simple. “Generally, what is needed is to create a secure home, a safe place and this done by being predictable and consistent. This is achieved by being responsive, by being nurturing and affectionate, by modelling confidence and thoughtful problem solving,” Greene added.
Furthermore, the director urged persons to be their neighbour’s keeper and look out for children as instances of violence in the homes may be escalated as families are now constantly together. Anyone witnessing or has knowledge about any acts of violence committed on a child is urged to contact the Ministry of Social Protection hotlines.
