This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, many parents are noticing a change in their children's behavior. Christine, a working mother in Nairobi, has been observing her seven-year-old son's increasing irritability and argumentative behavior since March. She's not alone – a three-year-old girl in Nairobi recently forced her parents to take her to church due to her endless crying.
According to the United Nations Children's Education Fund (Unicef), children in the 13-17 age group are among the worst hit by anxiety during this period. 'Being a teenager is difficult no matter what, and the coronavirus disease is making it even harder,' says Unicef in a March 27 post on its website.
Dr. Eunice Githae, a counselling psychologist at Kenyatta University, notes that some signs of anxiety in children include clinginess, irritability, and tantrums. To address anxiety in children, experts propose a range of measures, with a focus on open communication.
Dr. Githae advises parents to be exhaustive in their communication with their children, explaining any sudden changes in behavior or routine. She also recommends providing ways for children to express their emotions, such as through art, acting, or singing.
As children are forced to stay indoors, many are feeling 'imprisoned' by the lack of playtime and social interaction. Dr. Githae suggests converting small spaces into 'children's corners' or creating a routine that includes regular breaks and activities.
Some parents are finding creative ways to keep their children engaged, such as setting a daily routine or creating a 'work-and-play' schedule. Journalist-turned-politician Beauttah Omanga, a father of three, has implemented a timetable that includes study breaks, meals, and outdoor activities.
Dr. Esther Mbau, a counselling psychologist, emphasizes the importance of setting a routine for oneself before dictating one for the children. 'You need to first put on your own mask,' she says. 'Create your own routine, decide, and be deliberate to have some level of discipline.'
