Parents Urged To Motivate Children

The current pandemic has definitely increased stresses among youths, particularly anxiety and depression, as well as smartphone addiction. This is according to a Lecturer of Psychology at the UWI St. Augustine Campus, Dr. Christine Descartes, who says it is critical to ensure young children are looked after, especially those who are engaging in online classes. She says this has caused many children worldwide to become agitated, have nightmares, tantrums, and even violent outbursts. Dr. Descartes notes that it is important for parents to build their children's confidence and motivate them during this time. But she adds that it is also critical for parents to stay positive for their children, especially at home. For children who have been performing better via online classes, Lecturer Dr. Cheryl-Ann Boodram says it is important to find out why, to ensure a smooth transition back to traditional classes. Dr. Descartes acknowledged that school refusal, where students try to avoid going to school, existed long before the pandemic, and says it is important to find out what factors affect their unwillingness when physical classes resume. She is urging parents to have positive talks with them on the importance of school.