Source: i生活
New Life Post published a topic on "Pandemic Takes Toll on Children's Mental Health" on 5 May 2021 (Wednesday). Our clinical psychologist, Ms Lee Li Li has shared her views on this topic as well.
News Article:
Other than stressing the importance of physical health during this critical moment, one's mental health should not be ignored as well. Given the tension and anxiety arise due to the coronavirus, the children were feeling overwhelmed since the beginning of their online classes. Till this day, they are unable to attend school at all due to various factors. As such, clinical psychologist, Ms. Lee Li Li said that it was unsurprising that children's mental health was adversely affected by numerous factors.
During the pandemic, children faced problems in adapting the changed routine, including the suspension of physical classes. When the pandemic occurred, the routines that have been established were disturbed.
She stated, if parents failed to explain the risk of pandemic and coronavirus to their children, the children might develop psychological distress due to the lack of understanding. They may feel worried, anxious, and insecure, in addition to losing contact with friends, their routine is disturbed, they cannot go to school and unable to connect with their friends.
She also said that, "The suspension of classes does not only make children feel anxious, but also loneliness." The "loneliness" is not about lacking of companion, but the absence of social network that consists of friends. Moreover, the younger children are experiencing the stage of social development. Therefore, loneliness does not indicate being alone as an individual but the feeling of missing.
Create a Secure Social Platform for Children
Regarding the stated issues as above, the clinical psychologist, Ms. Lee Li Li, suggested that parents to create a secure social platform for the children to interact with others through internet, chatroom application, or deliver their longing and care to their peers through physical/e-cards with good wishes.
In addition, the children may experience frustration when they need to resume physical class after a long period of time. In this case, parents may do mind setting with the children and get them psychologically prepared two weeks before resume to school. Firstly, we need to work on the school routine to prevent severe fatigue or frustration. Second, parents have to learn to negotiate with their children and adjust their sleep schedule. If the child manages to follow it, parents may provide a healthy reward, such as cooking a meal that the child likes to eat.
For teenagers who are in their rebellious period, Ms. Lee Li Li usually advises parents to adopt a gradual approach. If a teen usually goes to bed at 2am, the parents may let him go to bed earlier at 12.30am and tell him to take good care of himself. It is not advisable to use threatening orders, as what teenagers need the most is to be respected. After the parents negotiate with their children, they will be willing to listen when they feel that they are respected.
Source: i生活
New Life Post published a topic on "Pandemic Takes Toll on Children's Mental Health" on 5 May 2021 (Wednesday). Our clinical psychologist, Ms Lee Li Li has shared her views on this topic as well.
News Article:
Other than stressing the importance of physical health during this critical moment, one's mental health should not be ignored as well. Given the tension and anxiety arise due to the coronavirus, the children were feeling overwhelmed since the beginning of their online classes. Till this day, they are unable to attend school at all due to various factors. As such, clinical psychologist, Ms. Lee Li Li said that it was unsurprising that children's mental health was adversely affected by numerous factors.
During the pandemic, children faced problems in adapting the changed routine, including the suspension of physical classes. When the pandemic occurred, the routines that have been established were disturbed.
"This change is indefinite. No one can ever predict when it will return to normal. Everyone is waiting, as if an indefinite wait. When the children slowly discover that this 'holiday' becomes longer than usual, they will start to miss their friends, and when they begin to have this thought, it is the beginning of the problem."
She stated, if parents failed to explain the risk of pandemic and coronavirus to their children, the children might develop psychological distress due to the lack of understanding. They may feel worried, anxious, and insecure, in addition to losing contact with friends, their routine is disturbed, they cannot go to school and unable to connect with their friends.
"Unlike teenagers, younger children neither own a mobile phone nor capable to online chat with others. Therefore, the younger the children, the greater the impact. Whereas the teenagers are mostly affected with the issue of internet addiction, but it can be treated somehow."
She also said that, "The suspension of classes does not only make children feel anxious, but also loneliness." The "loneliness" is not about lacking of companion, but the absence of social network that consists of friends. Moreover, the younger children are experiencing the stage of social development. Therefore, loneliness does not indicate being alone as an individual but the feeling of missing.
"The children's self-esteem and self-confidence will be affected as it's a long-term consequence of the pandemic. Both self-esteem and self-confidence derive from the affirmation of others. Therefore, lacking of social interaction with peers and teachers will set a limit to the children's social network, as well as the development of self-esteem and self-confidence."
Create a Secure Social Platform for Children
Regarding the stated issues as above, the clinical psychologist, Ms. Lee Li Li, suggested that parents to create a secure social platform for the children to interact with others through internet, chatroom application, or deliver their longing and care to their peers through physical/e-cards with good wishes.
"Undoubtedly, life education is the most suitable topic to share with children during the pandemic, which also helps to bring the relationship between parents and children closer."
In addition, the children may experience frustration when they need to resume physical class after a long period of time. In this case, parents may do mind setting with the children and get them psychologically prepared two weeks before resume to school. Firstly, we need to work on the school routine to prevent severe fatigue or frustration. Second, parents have to learn to negotiate with their children and adjust their sleep schedule. If the child manages to follow it, parents may provide a healthy reward, such as cooking a meal that the child likes to eat.
For teenagers who are in their rebellious period, Ms. Lee Li Li usually advises parents to adopt a gradual approach. If a teen usually goes to bed at 2am, the parents may let him go to bed earlier at 12.30am and tell him to take good care of himself. It is not advisable to use threatening orders, as what teenagers need the most is to be respected. After the parents negotiate with their children, they will be willing to listen when they feel that they are respected.
Source: i生活
