Chisipite Junior School

20 St. Aubins Walk, PO Box CH96, Chisipite, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone: 2490881 / 2495950 / 2497242

Email: admin@chisijun.co.zw
Website: www.chisijun.co.zw

A member of the Association of Trust Schools (ATS)

14 May 2019

Dear Parents

Children all over the world are growing up in an environment of volatility, turmoil and conflict. One just has
to turn on the television to substantiate this. As a result, there is a worldwide rise in children’s anxiety -
including in Zimbabwe - where worries about financial security, safety, fuel / food availability, poor driving
standards, etc. add to normal childhood worries.

I am rather concerned with the number of children of a young age who are discussing ‘adult’ topics relevant
to Zimbabwe… bond notes vs US$, scarcity of fuel, shortage of foodstuffs, crime, commuter omnibus
drivers etc. Not only are they discussing these issues, but they are also becoming increasingly worried
about problems over which they have absolutely no control. These “adult worries” stir up the emotional
centre of the brain, and a great deal of the brain’s energy becomes spent on evaluating incoming
information for threats, and sending out signals to the body – often feelings of fear.

Children are great observers, but very poor interpreters.

Research shows that parents’ anxiety, which has an impact on parenting styles and consistency, can trickle
down to their children. When extreme, this anxiety can affect childhood development.

With this in mind and knowing that you are your daughter’s stability at all times:

• Your child is just a child, and should not be privy to, or concerned with matters over which
she has no control. Be aware of what you say in front of your children. Conversations
should always be age appropriate.
• Young children are not always able to comprehend situations correctly, and this can cause
a great deal of apprehension. For example, when a child hears adults discuss the price of
bread going up, she may interpret this as “We can’t afford food”. Watch what you say –
and what you don’t say!
• Whilst smartphones (and with that comes social media) have distinct advantages, do not
forget that your child will only hear one side of your phone conversation, and may
interpret the other side incorrectly; often their interpretations are negative.
• In a pressured environment, with parents juggling many balls at once (‘parenting’ being
just one of these), it is important to remember that your daughter needs to learn social
and communication skills from you so that she can develop friendships. Make a conscious
effort to interact effectively with your child, using eye-to-eye communication and
modelling appropriate responses to situations. Keep in mind those one-sided
conversations – you don’t want your daughter learning to be critical, to be competitive or
antagonistic.
• Parenting in a digital age further requires the need to teach your daughter to use her
technological device wisely, reminding her to be considerate of how her messages or posts
could be received and interpreted, and whether they may inadvertently cause the recipient
any anxiety.
 • Finally, social skills (such as learning to follow rules, take turns, getting on with each other)
are also learnt through play. Allow your daughter playtime with friends. Playtime is often
in short supply, although greatly needed as your child learns and practices vital life skills. It
is also a fabulous way for children to unwind, to de-stress, and just be children. Don’t
forget they are also living in a competitive and pressured world!

In an environment where there is any turmoil or instability, consistent and conscious parenting is vital for
your daughter’s success – both at school and in the wider world. Your impact on her emotional
development is incalculable.

Kind regards

FIONA MILLS
School Counsellor