One day at a time: Letter for parents in the lockdown

Dear parents and teachers,

Who would have predicted that in 2020 we would be wearing masks, sanitising our hands, and having our temperature taken on a daily basis? I most certainly did not. I still have days where I ask myself is this real? Is this really happening? It doesn’t take long for reality to hit and I am quickly reminded of the seriousness that this situation demands from us as individuals – and as a community.

Throughout the past few weeks I have constantly been reminded of the following message: We may be in the same storm – but we are definitely not in the same boat. This virus has highlighted (once again) the deeprooted inequalities that exist in our country (and the world at large). As such, I am aware that I am speaking to a broad audience/ readership – with different struggles and daily realities. Our experiences are different, and I acknowledge that. I don’t have the answers but I can offer some words of encouragement as we navigate through these unchartered waters together.

As we slowly start re-emerging from the stringent lockdown regulations that have kept a great deal of us at home, many of us have returned to work. And as it stands, schools are expected to welcome back their Grade 7 and 12 learners on Monday 8 June. The past few weeks have been a trying time for us all – including our children and learners. It’s important that parents and teachers are able to recognise this, and offer the necessary support that children need as they begin to transition back to school (where social distancing exists and co-curriculars have been cancelled until further notice).

Before we can offer support and encouragement to our children and learners it is important that we acknowledge our own feelings and emotional experiences at this time. I am privileged to be a part of the Victoria Girls’ High School team – and am confident in the preparation in ensuring the safety of both its staff and learners in the wake of this pandemic.

VG is not only concerned with physical wellbeing

Mental Health Services

1. SADAG (The South African Depression and Anxiety Group)

• SADAG Whatsapp Chat Line (7 days a week from 9am to 4pm) - 076 882 2775

• SADAG SMS Service (Available 24/7)

SMS 31393 or 32312 and a SADAG counsellor will call you back. but mental well-being too. Staff were debriefed upon their return to school last week and offered the opportunity to express their lived emotional experiences, as well as their fears and concerns about the future.

I was reminded of the great therapeutic value such a space can provide. Through acknowledging their emotions, the VG staff were able to find the emotional space to put themselves in their learner’s shoes. This happened quite naturally and they expressed a great deal of compassion for the learners and what they might be experiencing.

In the same way, it’s important for parents to acknowledge their thoughts and feelings. Take a moment to look back over the past few weeks. What emotions have you experienced as a result of this pandemic and lockdown period? What fearsdo you have about the future?

This pandemic has shaken the world to its core – and many of us are experiencing emotions which can change as much and as quickly as the weather in Makhanda. There is no right or wrong way to deal with this pandemic. Your emotions are valid and very likely a normal response to this crisis. If you are struggling emotionally there is no shame in reaching out to someone for assistance (see contact details below). Try to show yourself some compassion at this time – we are all doing our best to survive this pandemic and its vast repercussions on our lives.

In the same way that you reflected on your emotional well-being, take the time to consider the emotional state of your child/ren. The best way we can offer support to our children is being emotionally available to them. Below are a number of ways that you as a parent can support your child through the process of transitioning back to school.

• Try to create a space where your child can express his/her thoughts, feelings and concerns.

• Allow your child to experience his/her emotions – whatever they may be. Remember that their emotions are valid in the same way that yours are.