Children throwing tantrums and bedtime chaos, that’s the parents’ lot during lockdown

CHILDREN throw more tantrums, miss their friends and struggle with bedtime routines during lockdown, a Barnardos survey has revealed.

The study of 2,683 parents shows that 84% say their children miss seeing friends and an overwhelming 68% are missing school.

The lack of childcare support is a huge contributor to stress in the home, with hundreds of parents saying they were struggling to balance parenting and working from home. This was particularly true for parents of children under five, with almost a third reporting that having no childcare support was causing stress in the home.

Schools and creches have been closed for 11 weeks, since March 12, during the Covid-19 health restrictions.

One parent said there was ‘a lot more work for mothers with everyone at home and trying to keep the peace and accommodate everyone’s needs, working from home, studying, in need of mental health support.’

And 27% of children have told their parents they are worried about family members contracting Covid-19.

One grandmother said her grandsons are ‘terrified’ that she will die of the coronavirus. ‘The boys are extremely stressed,’ she explained. ‘They are terrified I will be infected by them or others and will die.

‘My grandsons wrote emails to me a week ago begging me not to go out or speak to anyone… children need reassurance at all levels,’ she said.

The loss of routine in lockdown is having a significant impact on children’s behaviour as well, with 38% of parents saying they are experiencing more tantrums and outbursts from their child.

Over half of parents said they are having more difficulty with their child’s bedtime routine and nearly 12% reported that their child was having more bad dreams than usual. A third of parents reported their child having more pent-up energy than usual and 28% said their child was fighting with their siblings more.

The survey found that lockdown has been hardest on lone parents with 28% reporting feeling sad or low during lockdown.

One parent said: ‘As a single parent I feel judged when leaving my house with the children.’

However, there were some positive aspects of the lockdown for families the survey found.

Over half reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with family life in general and a third said they were eating healthier as a result of being able to prepare meals at home.

Head of Barnardos Suzanne Connolly said: ‘Perhaps unsurprisingly, this survey primarily highlighted the challenges faced by families during the Covid-19 restrictions. However, half of families reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with family life in general. Some families noted how the restrictions have allowed them to stop, take stock of what is important and to spend quality time together.’

Barnardos has called on the Government to consider the needs of children and parents during the phased re-opening of the country.