While the world is busy with fighting COVID-19, our kids at home are having their own struggle with the versions of lockdown and its impact has been detrimental on children. Today lockdown has been lifted from various cities, states and in fact, few countries have been opened up for tourism as well. But are this what our children need?
The answer is NO! Children are still trapped inside their homes after lockdown.
Kids can’t attend their regular schools, home lobbies have become the new playground and family is the only friends they’re left with to socialize. They’ve eventually become anxious and frustrated while staying at home for so long and are the ones who’re still locked down at their homes.
How this pandemic has effected our children?
PROS
- Spending quality time with family, especially parents
- Indulged with non-school activities like
- Gardening
- Cooking
- DIY Activities
- Science Experiments
- Playing Indoor games
CONS
- Child’s body clocked changed which impacted the following –
- Erratic sleep cycle
- Eating pattern changed
- Increased Screen Exposure
- Limited Physical Activity
- Social life came to halt
- Enhanced Agitation
It is no denial that parents and children have got some good quality time to spend with each other with this pandemic caused lockdown but anything in excess is also deleterious. With only parents around and locked inside their homes, kids have started to feel claustrophobic. What has aggravated to the problem is the constant exposure to COVID-19 news and information, which has led to anticipatory grief where they’re worried that they may lose someone from their family to the disease. It has made kids more unsafe and despairing.
Parents must ensure to seek the help of child therapists or counsellor if required, as a child’s emotional well being shouldn’t be overlooked.
Let me know your side of the story and how you’ve been managing with your child during the pandemic in the comment section below and stay tuned for my next article on exploring the ways that can aid children managing their emotions.