One never ends, many mothers think these days. And who says mothers says fathers grandmothers, grandparents, families in general, because although we are closing a period that put us to the test by becoming teachers of the little ones at home, the reopening of the face-to-face course does not seem like a scene exempt from challenges in home.
In this regard, we spoke with the psychopedagogue from the capital Norma de la Caridad Suárez Suárez, Master in Special Education.
Now that you are restarting the school year, what is your message to families?
The first message is one of recognition. During this period, families have made an effort to care for, accompany, reassure and teach their children. They have had to supply our teachers and in most cases they have done well “.
From your experience, what have been the main psychological effects that this stage of the pandemic has left on children?
“The Covid has had psychological consequences on children. According to the studies we have been doing there are manifestations of tantrums, disobedience, mood swings, fights between siblings, they can be irritated for apparently no reason, but everything has to do with forced isolation.
“In the surveys we are told about apathy, anxiety, sadness, because they feel the lack of affective relationships with friends, sometimes aggressiveness, fear of getting sick, disorders in sleeping and eating schedules.”
And what, then, would be your advice as a psychopedagogue to support our children in this process back to the classroom?
You have to reorder routines, schedules. We must organize the family dynamics again. During this time, the use of screens (television, telephones, tablets) has increased a lot. That must be regulated. It is necessary to generate confidence, stimulate them. My recommendations would be:
– Spend time daily with the child
– Talk to him with serenity and positivity
– Listen to their concerns
– Play with him for at least 15 minutes a day
– Accompany him in carrying out the tasks
– Reward him for his achievements: “I congratulate you”, “You did well”, “Did you see that you could?”
– Create an organized routine so you know what to do first and what to do next
– Discipline in a simple and positive way
-Give him security and tranquility, it is very useful to tell him anecdotes or memories about difficulties that you have overcome together. This helps build resilience and hope.
So is the role of the family still fundamental?
“It always is. To the extent that they are provided with a positive family life, they will be in a better position to readjust to the dynamics of the school. The trust and participation of the family are essential to guarantee a safe, responsible and orderly return. to the classrooms “.
