It's already the limit! School closure stress

It's already the limit! Closed school stress March 12 20:11

Many schools are closed temporarily due to the new coronavirus.
It is difficult to maintain the normal rhythm of life, and children tend to be stressed.
We asked experts what we needed to know to support the children.
(Naoko Okubo, Reporter of the Network Press) Hiromi Akimoto

"Limits" and "Tough" painful voices

School closed today and tomorrow.
Uncertainty about how long this life will last.

The sad voices of parents and children are rising on the net.

"No more, no limit. My son, who is locked up in a house when she leaves school, started crying," I want to go to school soon.

"I'm starting to feel stomachache because my heart is unstable. I can't see my friends. For children who feel a day longer than adults, it's hard to find out how uneasy these days are."

In addition to tweets that worried about children whose feelings were unstable, there were also compelling posts about children becoming tantrums and using violence.

The stress that each household has seems to be considerable.

Asked an expert

Stress and upset of children who are closed.
How should we face each other?

We spoke with Dr. Kyoko Tanaka of the Department of Medical Care at the National Research Center for Child Health and Development, which specializes in mental health for children.

The situation where children are placed is sudden, and the school is closed for a long time.
What are the children's mental states now?

According to Dr. Tanaka, children are now in a state where their everyday lives are suddenly deprived of their understanding, unlike in situations such as disasters.

Dr. Tanaka: "The time spent with friends and the graduation ceremony suddenly disappeared, and there is a possibility that it is leading to mental and physical stress with a feeling of great loss and threat."

Children's appearance Be careful Dr. Tanaka wants you to be careful about what the children say.
It is said that children in their current state sometimes utter negative words such as "I am sorry for my answering machine only" and "Every day is boring."
In such a case, it is important for the parents to "sympathize" rather than suppress the child's feelings.

Dr. Tanaka: “Negative remarks are a natural response to stress. The bad thing is that you put a lid on your heart at this time. , The stress is amplified. "

"Let's first sympathize with any feeling, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry,' and let's catch it."

What are the measures at home?
When I asked them about the specific measures they could take at home in contacting the children, they told me two things.

1. Explain why the school is closed.

Reliable family members who explain the new coronavirus and the reasons for school closure will help children feel safe.

Dr. Tanaka: "It's important not to blame anyone but to draw pictures that explain the cause of the virus, to explain it easily in accordance with the development of the child. I think it's good to learn by washing your hands.

2 Think about the schedule of the day when the school is closed for parents and children

The point is to have children participate instead of imposing them unilaterally.

And when children can help with household chores and keep their schedule, they should also give thanks and nervous words to raise their self-affirmation.

Dr. Tanaka "I can do it from a child in the first grade of elementary school. What I decided on my own was easy for my child to accept, it led to independence, and I was able to strengthen my heart to survive the next time I faced difficulties."

Points to note while school closures are prolonged.
It is important to note that children's stress may be different from adults.

Dr. Tanaka: "Some children complain of headaches, stomach ache, sleeplessness, etc., and others become aggressive, aggressive, and talk brightly. These defenses are fighting anxiety. It's a function and stress is increasing, so you need to be careful. ''

In such a case, once a week, even 15 minutes is enough, so it is important to create a place where children can feel uneasy in their own words during relaxing times such as eating and bathing.

Parents who work also have a way to communicate their intention to be "connected" or "understand your feelings," as they can be a letter or a message on your smartphone.

Talk about your feelings on the phone or chat

Movement that wants to be close to the feelings of children who are closed is beyond home.
The NPO Child Line Support Center, which usually provides consultation for children's worries, has sent a message to children.

"I wanted to enjoy more time with friends and teachers and various people. I was thrilled to take exams and find employment. Some were alone. I was a little happy at school, and I was worried about the physical condition of people around me. I think you all have a lot of feelings, so please let the child line hear your precious feelings and I hope you can return to a safe life as soon as possible. Please be careful "

Child Line accepts telephone consultations daily from 4 pm to 9 pm for children up to 18 years of age.
Toll free (free) 0120-99-7777

Consultations are also accepted via Internet chat every Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 9 pm.

A child line representative said, "I'll think about everything together, so if you have any concerns or concerns, please talk about anything."

message

This time, Dr. Tanaka gave various advice.
Finally, he sent me a message.

Dr. Tanaka: "I think there is a great mental burden on parents as well. Children who are trying to overcome the difficult times can now be seen as having the opportunity to become stronger. Parents who are going to give praise to themselves. ''

It may be important for children and parents not to work too hard alone.