May 2, 2024 | 1 comment

Just the youth? No, we all are facing a crisis!

Colin Morris

Can We Afford to Sweep the Effects of the Pandemic Under the Carpet?

Hey there,

A friend who works in the education sector recently asked for my perspective on this topic with a view to sharing practical tips with the school’s parent body.

There is no doubt that the world has been through an unprecedented time, and while we’re all eager to move forward, we can’t ignore the fact that our children have faced challenges beyond what we could have anticipated. This is the starting point – taking a “forget about it” or a “suck it up, buttercup” approach is counterproductive.

Then it’s essential to recognize how the pandemic has disrupted our routines and connections. The constant shifts have affected our children, from their mental health to their ability to engage with the world around them. There is little doubt that major shift in perspective occurred to one that was based and surrounded by real fear.

As a result, many of our young ones are now grappling with heightened levels of anxiety and stress. This resulted from seeing their parents and educators in a state of unease and despair. It’s important that we address their emotional well-being with the care and attention it deserves.

The pandemic has pushed many parents toward more protective, hands-on parenting. Children are given more freedom online than in the physical world. While this comes from a place of love, we must find a balance with which to heal our children; to nurture their growth and to aid them in comfortably embracing their independence.

A good place to start is to rekindle the power of human connection. By encouraging our children to engage with peers and experience the world anew, we can help them build confidence and resilience.

A parent’s and a community’s common goal is to guide our children towards resilience and adaptability. By fostering emotional strength, we prepare them for life’s inevitable challenges.

Then there is the fact that while screens provided a lifeline during isolation, they shouldn’t dictate lives. Teach children to manage screen time and rediscover the joy of in-person experiences. Most things digital have a valuable role to play as a tool. Many people are being used and manipulated and become hooked by the very thing they should be controlling.

Most teachers are navigating this new landscape too. By collaborating and communicating openly with them, parents can create a supportive environment for our children.

This is new territory and requires that we adapt and grow. Involve and engage your circle of influence and encourage others to work with you to be aware of the impact and adjust accordingly with care and patience. Now’s the time to rebuild community through the collective efforts of supportive people working towards a common goal of nurturing and assisting one another emotionally.

If you want some ideas and support on navigating these changes, let’s connect. Reach out today and let’s begin this journey together! #moreyou #YQ

1 Comment

  1. Vanessa

    wise words Colin.

    Reply

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