This is part one of a longer conversation on psychological support needed for children below 10 years of age during these times of pandemic. The second part will be released next week.
Ms. Gayatri Kiran observes that all known ways of life have changed. There are some situations
1 – Some children have moved to a new place, may be to a smaller town.
2 – Since the schools are closed, they do not have sufficient mental stimulus. Learning happens when children interact with friends.
3 – There is also a situation where someone in the family is affected by the pandemic or even dead because of it. And wearing a mask, washing the hands regularly and maintaining distance from everyone is all new behaviour for them.
They can lead to anxiety - ‘What if I am affected’ – causes anxiety. There can be stress - ‘What if my parents get it’. And there could be the sorrow of losing someone close. And the confusion about whom should we listen to…who can give us the right information. All this leads to insecurity in them.
If development of a child is affected in one area, it has an effect on all areas. If something new is taught when the child is scared, the child cannot understand. Speech is also affected when he/she has fear. If there is danger, one can face it and fight it. But stress is a far more dangerous situation.
Ms. Gayatri advises the teachers to strike a good relationship with the parents/guardians of the children. She thinks teachers can support the parents by giving them the right information. Right information about the infection, its treatment and support during treatment, how to get vaccinated – all this is support.
She moots community support for families. If the neighbourhood comes together in maintaining the norms and in supporting the affected families, it would be of great help. Physical distancing is advised but not mental separation.
Ms. Gayatri suggests 3 important steps.
First, talking to children is important for both teachers and parents. Listen to them and understand their thoughts.
Second, console them. Using simple language, using stories and songs, we can explain to them.
Third is to give them courage. Again, that is achieved with right information. We have to give them the feeling that there is someone to take care of them.
Another area of concern is domestic violence. If they get the feeling of helplessness, they can never get over it. Ms.Gayatri advises to take the help of different government agencies to help curb this menace. Sleeplessness, change in food habits, regular bad dreams/nightmares, afraid of being alone, new found fears, and being sad all the time are indications of stress. If they see any of these symptoms, the parents need to talk…either to the teachers or to anyone who can guide them properly.
More information about this topic next week. Please tune in then. Thank you!
Hope you enjoyed listening to this recording by Akshara Foundation. If you have an interesting story, please share your story with 98450 79590.
This is part one of a longer conversation on psychological support needed for children below 10 years of age during these times of pandemic. The second part will be released next week.
Ms. Gayatri Kiran observes that all known ways of life have changed. There are some situations
1 – Some children have moved to a new place, may be to a smaller town.
2 – Since the schools are closed, they do not have sufficient mental stimulus. Learning happens when children interact with friends.
3 – There is also a situation where someone in the family is affected by the pandemic or even dead because of it. And wearing a mask, washing the hands regularly and maintaining distance from everyone is all new behaviour for them.
They can lead to anxiety - ‘What if I am affected’ – causes anxiety. There can be stress - ‘What if my parents get it’. And there could be the sorrow of losing someone close. And the confusion about whom should we listen to…who can give us the right information. All this leads to insecurity in them.
If development of a child is affected in one area, it has an effect on all areas. If something new is taught when the child is scared, the child cannot understand. Speech is also affected when he/she has fear. If there is danger, one can face it and fight it. But stress is a far more dangerous situation.
Ms. Gayatri advises the teachers to strike a good relationship with the parents/guardians of the children. She thinks teachers can support the parents by giving them the right information. Right information about the infection, its treatment and support during treatment, how to get vaccinated – all this is support.
She moots community support for families. If the neighbourhood comes together in maintaining the norms and in supporting the affected families, it would be of great help. Physical distancing is advised but not mental separation.
Ms. Gayatri suggests 3 important steps.
First, talking to children is important for both teachers and parents. Listen to them and understand their thoughts.
Second, console them. Using simple language, using stories and songs, we can explain to them.
Third is to give them courage. Again, that is achieved with right information. We have to give them the feeling that there is someone to take care of them.
Another area of concern is domestic violence. If they get the feeling of helplessness, they can never get over it. Ms.Gayatri advises to take the help of different government agencies to help curb this menace. Sleeplessness, change in food habits, regular bad dreams/nightmares, afraid of being alone, new found fears, and being sad all the time are indications of stress. If they see any of these symptoms, the parents need to talk…either to the teachers or to anyone who can guide them properly.
More information about this topic next week. Please tune in then. Thank you!
Hope you enjoyed listening to this recording by Akshara Foundation. If you have an interesting story, please share your story with 98450 79590.