The turn of events at the recent #endsars protests and the subsequent #lekkimassacre was a horrendous experience for the average Nigerian and its effects on children must not be underestimated.
Children see us and hear us. Many of them have also seen the traumatic and violent videos making the rounds.
Duty of Care
As adults in general and parents (and carers) in particular, we have a duty of care to ensure that we protect our younger citizens mentally, physically and emotionally.
Young children should be protected from violent images and media content at all cost, while the older teens who have a better understanding should be carried along.
We must explain justice, fairness and equality to our children in an age-appropriate way.
This is our fight for us, for them and for generations to come. And so young children should not be at protest gatherings because they have no real understanding of the reason for the protests.
Set boundaries and be vigilant
Many children have been exposed to way too much at this time. We must apply the same principles whereby we won’t allow children watch an adult-themed movie.
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Please do not allow children to view these clips as they can incite fear, insecurity and hate in them. You may find children having sleepless nights, desiring to be in adult company, bed-wetting, nail biting, having mood swings and so on. Please observe and track any changes.
Tips to support children & adults
1. If you are troubled as an adult, seek help and support from friends and family. If it is extreme, do not be afraid or ashamed to get professional help.
2. Stay away from social media and any media disseminating the news. In your own best interest, take a break especially from viewing violent content.
3. Do not spread fake news as it does not help anyone.
4. Take deep breaths; simple and easy.
5. Do not fight people online. Everyone has an opinion; respect it.
6. Support and check on others.
7. Model the love, fairness, justice and leadership you want to see in your home and community.
8. Do not transfer aggression to children; the ongoing situation is not their fault.
9. Children have feelings and emotions. So ask them how they feel and let them talk. Listen and help them through any fears or concerns. It will keep them at peace and help them find clarity.
10. Be available to your children by not spending too much time online. Don’t be physically present and emotionally absent.
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11. Create and maintain structure for your children especially now that most are at home. Please help them by ensuring it includes quiet time.
12. Find other activities or hobbies for you and your children. Colouring, walks in safe areas, gardening, baking, drawing, etc. Children can create time-capsules, sing, write and read out poems on their experiences and feelings and about this time.
13. There is always a way to link current occurrences to history and stories in our Holy Books; go through them together, share stories and lessons and be consistent with prayer time at home.
14. Gratitude is something that must be encouraged at this time. Count your blessings together, write them down and/or put them in a gratitude jar. Despite the chaos, there are and will always be things to be grateful for.
15. If you haven’t got your voter’s card, plan to obtain one as soon as it is safe to do so. Tell your children to put pressure on you until it us done. Ensure your team, family and friends do the same. These can be obtained now, you don’t have to wait till just before the next election.
As we try to return to normalcy, please continue to pray and believe in our country, Nigeria.
Be sure to stay safe and healthy.
Mrs Ronke Adeniyi aka RonkePosh is a contributing writer for News Round The Clock (NRTC). She is an educator par excellence and the Founder of Le Poshe School, and Posh Babies and Kids both based in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
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