How best to reassure your child during this anxiety-provoking period? As confinement draws to a close, and schools gradually reopen, many parents are concerned about the anxieties their children may feel, afraid of going back to school and the risk of Coronavirus contamination. Guest Monday of Without appointment , on Europe 1, the psychologist of National Education Mélaine Descamps reminds the importance of reassuring them by remaining positive.
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All the players in Education are mobilized to welcome children as well as possible, says Mélaine Descamps. "The confinement has been difficult for some children, and we are mobilized, vigilant, to identify those who will have needs, and the families that will have to be supported," she said.
"You have to provide reassuring information"
Recalling that children "live this period a lot through the adults around them", Mélaine Descamps believes that it is important to "reassure" children, to welcome them as best as possible, while explaining to them "that this is not not like before". He added: "We must inform them, but provide them with reassuring information."
Giving confidence to the youngest pupils can also go through showing them the "advantages" of the new situation at school, with "a teacher for fewer pupils, who will have more time for them", explains the psychologist, according to whom, in any case, children "are resilient and able to adapt".
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"Help the child develop his own answers"
At home, parents can prepare their offspring with "little games". It is important, reminds Mélaine Descamps, that this preparation is done "in a joyful way", because "what reassures children is to feel that their parents are confident". "It can help the child regain a sense of control," she says. On the other hand, if the parents do not feel comfortable explaining the situation themselves, Mélaine Descamps advises to let the teachers do it.
But what if the child refuses to return to class? "You have to listen to what scares him, and try to gently reassure him", advocates the guest from Europe 1, "then help him develop his own answers".
Finally, Mélaine Descamps recalls the importance of keeping children at a regular pace. "We should give them frames and rhythms, always in joy and good humor. Put them to bed every evening at the same time, whether they have a physical activity, etc.", explains the specialist.