A CHILD psychologist has advised parents not to use threats to make reluctant children return to school after a long break, but to instead explain to them the reason for the change in their daily routine.

Primary five and six classes resumed last week while pupils in the lower standards will return to school on July 22, four months after all learning institutions were closed under a movement control order enforced to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Alice Lee of SEED Training and Counselling Centre said some children could be resistant to going back to school.

“Coercion will only make them more frustrated. Take some time instead to understand their anxieties,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

“Younger children cannot articulate their feelings so well so parents should guide and teach them how to express themselves.

“Discuss with them the changes that have to be made. Take them to play with the neighbours in the park and to meet other children again. Kids can adapt as long as their emotions are handled properly.”

Parents have to bear in mind that patience is required in getting a child to adapt to a different routine.

“They (children) can no longer sleep in. They’ll have to wake up at six in the morning.

“Communicate to them the importance of going to sleep early the night before. Or if they are  worried that they can’t keep up with their homework, parents should discuss with them how to deal with this to make them feel at ease.”

To help the child feel less anxious in school, allow him or her to wear a simple item from home, Lee said.

For example, she said some parents have given their children wristbands to wear to school and told them that the bands represent mummy and daddy.

Other ways parents can encourage their children is to reward positive behaviour with stamps or stickers in a special notebook.

“Rather than using force, parents should use empathy to deal with their children’s anxieties.”

With school reopening, mums and dads also need to be mindful of their own stress as the resumption of classes and the logistics of getting children to school and back can add pressure on parents. Parents may inadvertently pass their stress on to their children, she said.

Lee urged parents who feel unable to cope to seek advice from school counsellors or religious leaders.

Parents must also control their own emotions if children start to cry or throw tantrums.

“Take a deep breath and then listen to the child’s problems. You can solve them together.” – July 21, 2020.