Gelisim News

Saying the right thing is not to hide but to tell the child, Demirkaya said: “Those who go to school do already know the reason for school break. For this reason, we must answer the questions they are curious about, without denial and appropriate for the child's level of development. Their closest and most trusted people are their parents. Inconsistency and anxious approaches from their parents can damage the child's sense of trust. Therefore, it is necessary to be clear, reliable, realistic and clear. However, sometimes sharing more detailed information can be a burden for the child. First of all, we must control our own feelings and thoughts as parents. Children learn by observing their parents. Even if we don't say anything, children see our behavior and observe our fear of our eyes. Anxiety is also contagious; it affects children first.”

Emphasizing that intense anxiety experienced by the mother in families with infants and younger children will affect the baby unintentionally, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevcan Karakoç Demirkaya from Istanbul Gelisim University said: “The mother's understanding and anxiety about the epidemic shapes her behavior. Even the mother's holding, cuddling and look of her baby may change, and these anxious, insecure attitudes can disrupt attachment. Starting to go out on the street less at a time when younger children can walk and move more freely can cause them to insist on going to a park and cry and increase stubborn attacks. Again, it is common for infants and younger children to put their hands and objects to their mouths. In these cases, the babysitter should behave calmly and pay attention to the housekeeping.”

Mentioning that each child's perception of the disease is different according to their age, Demirkaya said: “In this difficult process for all of us, as a parent, we should be able to control our anxious feelings and thoughts, and be calm, but cautious. Although there are kindergarten and school breaks, it is important to continue the daily routines of children like before the epidemic. We should all know that this period is temporary, yet uncertain. In addition to physical measures, we must also protect our psychological well-being. If there is an anxiety in ourselves and in our child that can cause sleep loss and disrupt daily life, you can also get help with remote psychological support channels that do not disturb security.”

Explaining how to approach children psychologically, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Kayhan Bahalı from Istanbul Gelisim University warned parents to spend more time with their children in crisis situations, and said: “Being close to you will comfort them. When they want to talk about dangerous situations associated with Covid-19, listen to them patiently. Do not be angry, do not try to get silent or change the subject. Do not say 'there is nothing to be afraid of,' as it faces a real danger. It will not be believable. Indicate that many people are afraid of the coronavirus outbreak, fear is a normal feeling.”

Expressing that children should be given the opportunity to express their fears and concerns, Bahalı said: “Ask them to say the worst possible scenario they can think of. Consider the possibility that this can actually happen. Identify encouraging slogans. One of the most important things for the child in crisis situations is the safety of themselves and their relatives. Therefore, say the security measures one by one, which you have taken to protect you and yourself from Covid-19. Identify any additional measures that can be taken, with your child. Tell that it is a condition that can improve and you will do your best for their treatment, if someone or one of a family member is sick. Don't let fears block their daily life as much as possible, support them to continue their lives with the precautions you take. If you cannot prevent the anxiety, phobia and anxiety from affecting your child's daily life despite all your efforts, apply a child psychiatrist.”

Noting that everyone should apply the ways of protection completely instead of being anxious and depressed, IGU Chairman of the Board of the Trustees Abdulkadir Gayretli said: “Parents also need to teach children how to be cautious”. Gayretli stressed the importance of psychological protection as well as teaching protection in terms of cleanliness to children.