Child psychology has become one of the agenda topics that has gained importance in the face of the coronavirus epidemic. Both adults and children feel anxiety at different levels during this process and may develop different reactions to this new situation.
In this article, we wanted to examine the psychological effects of the coronavirus epidemic on children.
Uncertainty creates anxiety!
We have sufficient information about the coronavirus. Some uncertainties, such as the absence of a process, the absence of any examples of the process until recent history, and the unpredictability of its course, create great anxiety in the adult world. Situations such as the individual not having such an experience before increase uncertainty and therefore anxiety.
We respond with a "fight" or "flight" response to anxiety-provoking situations. Since there is no situation to fight, we are likely to show a "flight" reaction. This situation increases the time they stay at home and we enter a process that is not familiar to both adults and children.
Adults' Anxiety = Children's Anxiety
Children have been If he encounters a situation that has not been learned or experienced, he imitates the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of the adults around him. For this reason, if your anxiety is above normal, you must first control your anxiety so that your child can relax. If parents are overly nervous and anxious, this situation is also reflected in the child's thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
How do you know if your child is anxious?
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Increased behaviors such as crying, fear, anger and sadness,
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Frequently asking questions about the epidemic and whether it will harm the parents to whom the epidemic is dependent,
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Fear of being separated from the people they are dependent on,
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Baby-like behaviors (talking like a baby, desire to drink from a bottle instead of a cup, increased bedwetting, etc.)
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Decrease in attention and concentration,
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Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking up during sleep and having nightmares are evident,
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Increased physical complaints such as abdominal pain and headache.
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Increase in restless, incompatible and bored behaviors.
Inform your child
Explain this epidemic situation to your child with simple and accurate information that he can understand. Reassure your child with this conversation; Make speeches about how being at home and with you will protect him. Listen to your child with empathy, without rejecting his/her feelings; Try to understand the situation he is in. Reassure your child by telling him that you are safe and that this process will end soon.
Protect your child's soul as much as you protect his body
< br /> • Protect your child from information pollution and excessive information in the media and social media. Limit the time he spends with digital devices and make sure that he accesses age-appropriate content while using the devices.
• Yes, schools are closed, but be careful to maintain and continue your daily routines. Create new routines in your home life in this new order. Pay attention to nutrition and sleep patterns. Even though schools are closed, make sure that these routines continue. Routines make your child feel safe.
Share that treatment will be found soon
• Prevent pessimism; Mention that a solution to this disease will be found very soon.
• Explain in a language that the patient can understand that staying at home is a precaution, so that you stay away from the virus and do not risk your health.
• If your child becomes very difficult or bored due to the measures taken, explain by giving examples that this situation is for the safety and happiness of all of you.
• Plan fun activities during time spent together. To help you, you can access our article on “games that can be played at home” from the link.
• Avoid talking or giving information about the epidemic when he does not ask you questions or when you do not see him as anxious or fearful.
Every child experiences anxiety differently
• Each child may express his or her anxiety differently. Safe and comfortable environments for him • The information you give to your preschool child will be quite different from the information you tell your primary or secondary school child. Do not give young children information that is beyond their age and maturity, explain it in plain and simple language. While even we are having a hard time accepting this process, do not create unrealistic expectations from them such as acceptance or normalization.
• Make video phone calls so that friends or relatives they haven't seen for a long time understand that they are also at home and taking similar precautions. , maintain social support and contact.
• Plan fun activities to ensure personal hygiene; For example, instead of saying "wash your hands for 20 seconds", you can give instructions such as "sing the song 'happy birthday' until the end while washing your hands." You can call our center and get support regarding “online family counseling”.
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