PedTalk: Mental & Emotional Effects of Being on Quarantine

The final installment of Mommy Mundo’s PedTalk Series with Sanofi Pasteur and Huggies streamed via Facebook Live on the 6th of June 2020.  Tackling yet another extremely relevant topic, Camille Prats Yambao and Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta discussed the mental and emotional effects of being in quarantine on children.

Undoubtedly, the rules of the quarantine are hard on everyone.  Having to distance from loved ones, either because of geographic or age restrictions; becoming hyper aware of hygiene and disinfection practices; and the complete change of routine are issues that already challenge adults, what more children that may not fully understand that staying home means staying safe.

In the culminating event of the series, Dr. Dimalanta talks to parents about how they may be able to explain the change in routine and safety precautions, and how they can balance these with the needs of their children, needs such as socialisation, physical affection, and self-expression.  The talk also included a discussion on what to watch out for in children or the signals of emotional turmoil, and manners in which these can be addressed.

Some important points made included:

• If and when parents deal with crises calmly and confidently, children will feel safer, worry less, and these parents will be able to provide good support to their children.

• Behaviour to look out for or signs that your child may need attention or social interaction include:

  • Frequent tantrums

  • Regression (ex. They begin wetting the bed again)

  • Visible sadness

  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping patterns

  • Difficulty with concentration and/or avoidance of activities they once enjoyed

• Encourage an environment of open communication so that children feel safe and well heard. Allow them to talk freely, and always answer their questions truthfully.

• Take the time as an opportunity to explore and learn together. Starting new hobbies can help encourage learning, further bonding and connections, and can address some of their cabin fever.

• Recreate routines and structures around the things you need to do around the house and around the things they need to be learning. The familiarity can be comforting to them.

Dr. Francis Dimalanta is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics expert. To watch the complete PedTalk and hear the questions asked by the Mommy Mundo community, tune into Mommy Mundo’s Facebook page, and watch out for more events like these on Mommy Mundo Facebook Live!