In crisis situations, such as the one Covid-19 has created, children are more vulnerable to get trapped with feelings of anxiety and stress. Depending on their age and their personality, the response to this situation may be varied. Some may become overly affected and some may withdraw, some may become anxious, angry or agitated and some may live in denial while others would accept it.
With the surge in cases again, we have come back to where we were exactly a year ago. Due to the critical situation, maintaining health precautions is extremely important, hence the board exams for class 12th have been postponed and schools closed again.
While we understand that with exams postponed and schools closed again, children may feel disheartened, the following suggestions will help to ease their stress and anxiety:
1. Encourage children to indulge in activities that help them relax like painting, dancing, power yoga, Zumba or anything else. Even better, if you can join them! This would not only help them reduce stress but also strengthen their bond. If you could not make the most of the previous lockdown, this is your opportunity to do it.
2. Remember this is going to be an emotional ride. Children may feel frustrated, angry or sad. There may be instances where they thunder at you. Support them through this emotional journey. Help them accept the situation and that they have a choice to make – either to get stressed or focus on studying consistently each day.
3. Keep your children closer to you. Have regular conversations, become liberal and let them speak their heart. This will ensure that they do not withhold the stress inside. What children most miss is being able to speak with their friends. Take this situation as your opportunity to build a bond of friendship with your children.
4. Establish a daily routine. While this may be hard, it is critical! When children go to school, having a fixed schedule and tasks to do keeps them focused. With more time at home and fewer tasks to do, children might start to worry about their future or studies. A daily routine will help them stay motivated! Create a routine where they also participate in household activities and get time to play, study and rest.
5. Be mindful of the environment you create at home. Avoid strained conversations when children are around. Evaluate situations and try to co-create solutions with your family.
6. Help your children to focus on building themselves – emotionally, physically and/or psychologically. The pandemic situation will get under control because nothing lasts forever. When it does, you must have lessons and experiences you have learnt during this time to share with the world. These are going to be unique to you and help you grow.
7. The most important tip for parents is to ensure their personal well-being. Unless your cup is over-flowing, you will not be able to fill your child’s cup. Ensure that you eat well, rest well and give yourself enough time to rejuvenate from the personal and professional life.
8. Lastly, children follow what they see. Instructing your children will not create a sustainable change. How you conduct yourself and deal with stress is how your child will learn to do the same.
Many of us reminisce back to our lives before the Covid-19 pandemic and hope for things to go back to how they were while we simultaneously try to adapt to the new normal. This is bound to take a toll on our children’s mental health. As parents, guardians or caretakers, it is vital we keep our children engaged, focus on their nutrition and exercise and ease the transition to the new normal.
The writer is a Life Coach and Image consultant.