Preparing for another Christmas during COVID certainly isn’t what any of us had in mind. Here, a paediatric doctor in Singapore shares her top tips for kids – helping to support children and teens during the holiday season.
After a tumultuous year of lockdowns, restrictions, home schooling and a lack of travel, many of us are suffering from feelings of stress, isolation, disappointment and flat-out exhaustion from the ongoing pandemic. This “COVID fatigue” may prove particularly difficult at Christmas time, and as we near a new year with uncertainties about what challenges await.
Though some of us will be able to celebrate with long-missed family and friends thanks to the recent easing of travel restrictions, many of us will still have to explain cancelled Christmas trips and postponed holiday visits to our families. Of course, this can be particularly disappointing for kids and adolescents who depend on these family holidays to stay connected to loved ones back home, explains DR GINA DAHEL, a UK-trained paediatric doctor at International Medical Clinic (IMC) Children’s.
To help support your children throughout the festive season, here are six tips from Dr Dahel.
#1 Be a safe space
“Allow your child to open up and discuss their feelings by offering them a safe space. Regularly engage with your child and ask how they are doing; try not to dismiss their feelings and do acknowledge how difficult this is for them.”
#2 Be supportive
“Help your child work through his or her emotions and behaviour. Accept that, at times, their behaviour will be challenging. Help them to understand what they are feeling and why, and help them work through their emotions in a more constructive manner.”
#3 Build positive routines
“Try and ensure that there is structure to their day; for example, sleeping, eating and exercise. Routines are essential for children and help to keep them grounded and balanced.”
#4 Encourage their interests
“If your child has been limited in what they can do, then now is a good time to encourage them to find other interests and hobbies.”
#5 Focus on the positives
“It can be tempting to focus on what we cannot do. Instead, help kids find new ways to celebrate with loved ones. Use Zoom to organise a Christmas carol concert or a family Christmas quiz, or open up presents together with Grandma and Grandpa abroad.”
#6 Stay connected
“Holiday periods can sometimes amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation. So, it’s more important than ever to stay well connected during this time. Encourage your kids to regularly call family and friends, as this will help them maintain those vital social connections.”
According to Dr Dahel, it’s completely normal (and expected) for children to feel upset about missing out on holidays and family reunions. And, if they do get the chance to travel, it’s normal for them to feel that they are missing their friends in Singapore. However, she says that if your child is showing signs of sustained low mood, depression or anxiety, it’s important to seek medical advice.
International Medical Clinic
IMC Camden, IMC Children’s, IMC Jelita and IMC Katong
6733 4440 | imc-healthcare.com
This article first appeared in the December 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy
Amy Greenburg
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