New Delhi: The pandemic and the national lockdown that took place in 2020 surely generated a lot of anxiety, stress in all age groups, including the little ones. Children have been confined to their four walls for several months and they generally thrive under predictable conditions, but the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic has primarily affected them physically and mentally. Read also – IPL 2021 hit by COVID-19: 14 members of the IPL Broadcast Bio Bubble test positive for the coronavirus
Online schooling, isolation, home quarantine, lack of social interactions, lack of physical sports, and parental anxiety have developed fears, depression, and boredom in children. children. While most of the parents were involved in dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic and making every effort to ensure the safety and sustainability of their families, the emotional needs of the children were somewhat ignored, Jesal Sheth points out, senior consultant-pediatrician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund. Also read – Milind Soman tests negative for COVID-19 after 14 days, reunites with wife Ankita Konwar
Experts discuss with IANSlife the impact of the pandemic on children and how to deal with it: Also Read – Guddan Tumse Na Ho Paayega actor Kanika Mann tests positive for COVID-19, says ‘will be back to work soon’
The impact of the pandemic on children
The pandemic has changed the way children grow, learn, play, behave, interact and deal with their emotions. The children were observed to have behavior problems, problems with peers, externalizing problems and general psychological distress. Compared to children who did not exercise, children with psychic activity had less hyperactivity-inattention and fewer prosocial behavior problems.
Also, on a more emotional level, they have a lot on their minds, and the biggest worry for them is whether or not they will see their friends at school or if they will get sick. The joint effect of lifestyle changes and psychosocial stress caused by house arrest may have worsened behavior problems in children.
In the long run, this can lead to an emotional breakdown in children, and the same can lead to those children resisting going back to school after the lockdown. This can happen mainly because children have lost their pre-locking routines and loss of contact with their peers and mentors. Additionally, the stresses associated with foreclosure can have a negative long-term effect on their overall psychological well-being.
Here’s how you can help kids cope with Covid-related stress:
- Addressing Fears: Anxiety and emotional depression can be addressed to some extent by parents by addressing children’s fears, talking about problems and possible solutions from the child’s perspective.
- Spending time with grandparents: Children who have grandparents may decide to spend quality time with them.
- Create a routine: Parents can maintain certain routines even if they are confined to the house. It is always good for parents and children to be able to plan activities together. Parents should also plan their children’s chores one by one, involve them in various activities at home, educate them about hygiene habits and social distancing.
- Play Games: Take part in indoor games and creative activities. In addition to these activities, children can be counseled to get involved in household chores and understand their social responsibilities.
- Virtual play dates: To keep them in touch with your friends and classmates, schedule a virtual party and play dates.
- Bad behavior can be redirected and discussed – Parents should pay more attention to the emotional well-being of the child. Continue to focus on Covid-19 measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent hand washing, as the pandemic is not yet over. Additionally, children should be encouraged to socialize with their friends and classmates through digital forums under parental supervision.
(With contributions from IANS)