Gage Grey urges parents and guardians to strengthen bond with children during COVID-19 crisis

“Many parents do not get the chance to spend adequate time with their children because of work obligations and other reasons, so this is an opportune time for parents who are now home-based to bond with their children while school is out,” she said.

Making reference to the current health pandemic, she highlighted that the situation can cause stressful family environments, because of work-from-home arrangements, unemployment and children being home-schooled.

She therefore shares the following coping tips:
• Be calm, proactive and supportive of your children’s needs, in spite of the current disruptions in normal routines
• Create a daily schedule to maximise your time, to ensure that if you are working from home; and home-schooling your child/children simultaneously, both objectives are met
• Parents, please ensure that you liaise with your children’s school teachers for daily activities to keep them engaged. For parents experiencing difficulties accessing activities being sent because of limited or no internet access, please make every effort to contact the schools for assistance.

• Talk to your children about their feelings; especially about the effects of the COVID-19, and sudden changes, which may cause anxiety, stress and uncertainty
• Monitor and manage your emotions and stress level, because children feed off your energy, and rely heavily on you to provide a sense of safety and security. So it is important to maintain self-care routines and good mental and physical health to be able to respond effectively to both needs during this difficult time.
• Monitor and limit your child's social and Internet use, so that they can be more focused on their studies
• Read and play with your children, and engage them through family dinners, movies and game nights
• Be abreast with the current health crisis, and adhere to the Ministry of Health and Wellness and Education guidelines to ensure that your children are safeguarded and engaged

Turning her attention to child protection, she said parental neglect continues to be of great concern, as many parents relinquish their parental duties or leave their children unsupervised, putting them at risk.

Against this background, the agency’s CEO is urging parents and guardians to be more vigilant in protecting their children during this crucial time.

“Know your children’s whereabouts and ensure that proper arrangements are made at all times to ensure their safety,” she said.
Statistics from our National Children’s Registry (NCR) indicated that during 2019, a total of 4,408 children were neglected, and 4,039 during 2018; which is 369 more children in the previous year.

“We still continue to receive reports of children being neglected, which is extremely worrying. Now more than ever, we are pleading to parents and guardians to act responsibly, and exercise their parental duties by taking good care of their children,” Gage Grey stressed.

The National Children’s Registry continues to accept child abuse reports at 888-PROTECT (776-8328). Child abuse reports can also be e-mailed to  info@childprotection.gov.jm,report@childprotection.gov.jm.