"This pandemic has led to several children's needs going unfulfilled, such as the need to freely play outside, to move freely, and to socialize," Hadiwidjojo told ANTARA on Saturday.
The psychologist explained that this could make children feel pressured and powerless to change the situation.
This especially occurs if they sense that the school and their parents are demanding more from them, she noted.
"They are both equal and have an important role to play in children's development. If a child is physically sick, then we should take them to the doctor. We should have done so when our children appeared mentally disturbed," Hadiwidjojo affirmed.
Echoing Hadiwidjojo's opinion, pyschologist Muthmainah Mufidah also emphasized that loving children the way they are is one of the important aspects in maintaining their mental health.
"Our job as parents should be to love our child the way they are and guide them to become better," Mufidah stated.
"When a child is facing difficulties, no matter what the condition is, we should show them that we really do love them and want to help them to become better," she affirmed.
However, if parents do not yet understand the mental health issue, then she advised them to not hesitate to seek professional help.
Moreover, psychologist Annelia Sari Sani stated that building relations with children is the most important aspect that parents should prioritize to maintain their mental health.
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Translator: Lifia Putri, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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