Times Of Swaziland: PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL

PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL
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The Editor on 03/07/2020 00:55:00


Sir,
As a country, COVID-19 has given us food for thought; whether we are prepared
for such pandemics or not. Developed nations may say they have enough resources
to tackle such situations but when it comes to physical and emotional security
of children, they also have to be cautious because preparing children for such
pandemics needs a lot of effort and apt planning. COVID-19 seems to be here to
stay, therefore, it is the duty of parents to help them conform to what has
become the ‘new normal’.
Since government has announced the reopening of schools on Monday, most pupils
are excited, while others are uncertain about their safety. Due to this
pandemic, the transition activities for pupils in completing classes this year
will not be the same as usual.
Prepare
Therefore, parents should take this time to prepare children for that. As
adults, we are mature enough to control our emotions and can act patiently but
immature minds are always perplexed and act in a very clingy way when some
adverse situation is thrown at them. Children are ardent observers and act
according to the reaction of those around them. It is difficult for them to
conceal their behaviour.
During this crisis, when social distancing and refrained outdoor activities have
brought children into a knotty situation, it is necessary that parents
understand their fears and try to deal with their concerns in a polite way. The
reopening of schools is a significant step but children are likely to have many
questions regarding their safety. At this stage the role of parents and teachers
needs to be redefined. The importance of the decisions taken by governing bodies
should be explained to them in an effective way, so that they do not panic.
Stressful
For a child, going to school amid this pandemic means dealing with a lot of new
things. There are a lot of unknowns, and this can become stressful for some
children. To reduce the stress of the unusual, parents need to talk to them and
answer their questions.
Parents need to keep reminding children about sanitary guidelines: cough on your
elbow, wash your hands frequently, stay two metres away from others and avoid
hugging their friends. It is recommended to familiarise children with face masks
by letting them play with one and getting them used to see their parents wearing
one. Parents should not leave this to teachers only. Teachers need to explain
the new rules to pupils during the first days of classes.
Worried
It is understandable that parents have to deal with a lot of new things,
especially since no one knows what will transpire as a result of reopening
schools during this pandemic. Some parents might be considering not sending
their children to school. It is normal to be worried but parents need to talk
about their worries with other adults and not in front of their children to
avoid stressing them too. Everything a child hears about school should be
positive.
Parents should know that, even without this pandemic, going to school for
children is a stressful event. It’s good to bear in mind that children have
the capacity to adapt to new environments, and with proper support from parents,
it becomes even easier. Even though going back to school is not mandatory, it is
a crucial step in a child’s life. Parents must play a crucial role in
preparing their children for the reopening of schools.
Brand Shota