Load Shedding and Children

Load shedding of electricity (when the power cuts for about two hours at a time during the day) has become a way of life for many South Africans. It’s had a very detrimental effect on our economy. But what have been the effects on our children? This post looks at how they are reacting and how parents are dealing with it.

How to explain loadshedding

I found quite a good document here. It basically explains that South Africa does not have enough electricity to go around for everyone. Therefore we have to share power and have a few hours without electricity every day.

Even though the power doesn’t work during these times, it helps to reassure kids that there is a schedule. The power will come back. It’s ok to feel anxious. But even if the electricity doesn’t work, we do have torches, candles and rechargeable lights. You can do other things like reading or playing a game.

Effect on Education

We know that education in SA has taken a hit. Not all classrooms are well lit and kids need electricity to see. It may even have an effect on matric exams. Study schedules are disrupted and even robots not working affects the children getting to school on time.

Homeschoolers, who depend on the internet for their lessons are also affected.

I have two students I homeschool. Loadshedding affects them a lot. They can’t attend online lessons. Luckily the teacher records the lesson and we can watch it when power is back. At night, it helps if children have a fully charged tablet to watch movies or play games until bedtime. (Karen Bekker)

Effect on routine

My son wakes up exactly when his ceiling fan switches off and remains inconsolable for half an hour. I don’t know how to teach a 6 month old resilience, but any tips would be nice. (I will *never* try cry it out, though) (Merilyn Prinsloo)

I think this is what parents are finding difficult. I know that my son woke up at 4:40 am in a panic because he didn’t know what the time was and his electric clock wasn’t working. Of course it is also very dark at that time so it can be scary for a child. He also complained of being hot because the fan was off, so he couldn’t sleep.

How can we as parents help? All we can do is be there for them and let them know that even if the power is not there, we as their parents are still a stable presence and can try to help as best we can. In my case I reminded Nicky about his Storm Trooper clock which runs on batteries – all he has to do is press it down and it will show the time. For a baby though, I think this mom is doing all she can by holding him tight.

How moms are helping

My son is two and woke up one morning and said, “Woohoo! Loadshedding is finished.” My husband and I try to not be negative about it in front of him, so we make it as exciting as possible. We light as many candles for him during bath time and allow him the opportunity to blow them out just before he goes to sleep. He loves candles just by the way  Very simple, but effective way of finding the positives amongst the negatives. (Abigail Boshoff)

We need to help our children find a way out of their discomfort, out of the irritation, out of the frustration caused by load shedding, by laughing with them and having fun. This shows them how to be resourceful and resilient when the chips are down. There may be nights when you have to eat sandwiches for supper instead of a hot meal or have a lukewarm shower because the geyser didn’t heat up. Finding a workaround is a skill that will help them for life. (Nicky Bush)

Tips to survive loadshedding

1. Know your schedule and prewarn your kids. If you tell your child that the electricity is going to cut at six, then he knows to finish his game before that. You can download apps to help – one that I have found super helpful is “Load Shedding Notifier”

2. Get electricity back ups. Make sure everything is charged in advance so you can do things offline. Get an inverter or UPS if you can.

3. Play games with your kids. There are board games and books to read. There was life before screens you know… lol..

4. Teach them resilience. Loadshedding is a great opportunity to show children that life doesn’t always go smoothly and the way you want it. Finding ways around the problem and how to deal with it are part of the legacy of South Africans making a plan.

What are your tips to deal with loadshedding as a family?