How can we ensure children’s mental health and well-being is stable amidst lock-down?

Joy for Children is a children’s rights and advocacy organization in Uganda, championing the rights of all children to live peacefully & without exploitation, to benefit from quality free education, to thrive in economic security & justice, and to prosper with access to clean water, good health care, & nutrition. 

Among the challenges that they have faced lately is the pandemic.  Since March 2020 when the COVID-19 virus was first noted in Uganda there have been nearly 2 million cases.  The country responded quickly to the situation by banning public gatherings as early as March 2020 and to date, the country has had two lock-downs.  One lockdown took effect in July 2021. 

The lockdown has been a particular burden for children and parents.  To discuss ways of coping with the situation while maintaining children’s education and parents’ well-being, the organization convened a panel discussion with various experts for the topic “Ensuring support services for children with disabilities amidst lockdown.” 

Paul Sachs was asked to join the panel.  His topic was: Supporting Children’s Mental Health.  He emphasized the importance of parents’ maintaining routines with children, explaining things to children simply and continuing to challenge children to do their best, even with home-schooling, and set boundaries about acceptable behavior.   These activities build resiliency during a pandemic.  They are also key elements of building resilience among children at any time of their life.   

Resilience is the ability to adapt to stress and change.   Resilient people have developed skills to manage their feelings and emotions, to set goals and cope with set-backs.   ReidSachs LLC believes that resilience applies to people, groups and organizations.   You or your organization may be helped by a training or consultation to build your resilience.  Send us an email and let’s discuss how we can be part of your program.