Parents urged to watch out for sudden behavior change in children as they break

Murang’a South

Thursday, August 10, 2023

KNA by Florence Kinyua

As schools break for the August holidays marking an end of second term of the school calendar, a Murang’a based counselling psychologist has implored on parents to watch out for any signs of distress in their children so as to arrest any mental health issues early.

Purity Gachukia observes that any sudden change in behavior in a child ought to alarm a parent as that is the only way to detect any mental health issues that ultimately impact the social, emotional, physical and cognitive well-being of a child and those around him or her.

“We have heard cases of suicides in colleges and universities meaning the young people are going through challenges that can only be brought to light and tackled by first identifying the root cause,” she notes

“Despite the daily busy schedules, try to spend quality time with your children during this schools’ break,” she adds

Gachukia observes that a parent should get concerned if a child who was previously active and upbeat suddenly becomes withdrawn and lacks energy and enthusiasm in the activities that would previously interest him or her.

“Create a rapport with them by ensuring your presence and home environment is a safe haven where they can open up without judgement as some may have gone through an unpleasant incident in schools that will damage their self-esteem if not dealt with early.

For the younger school going children, the psychologist warns parents against overburdening them by giving them adult responsibilities.

“Let the children be children, let them play with their peers but ensure their safety, just give them enough room to explore their childhood” she warns

According to Gachukia parents should also monitor what the children are watching on the TV and how much time they are spending on the screen as outdoor activities are equally important.

The Kenyan primary and secondary schools have closed for two weeks and will reopen on August 28.

Courtesy ; K. N. A