Page 14 - ParentsWorld June 2020

nurturing 21st Century Children
Cover

story

Managing

PANDEMIC ANxIETY

onsultant neuropsychiatrist, sleep disor-  Follow Covid-19 prevention
Cder specialist and chief executive of the measures advised by health experts and
People Tree Mind Care Hospital, Banga- government, scrupulously.
lore, Dr. Satish Ramaiah believes that all  Ascribe anxiety to information
people are experiencing a roller coaster ride overload.
of emotions such as denial, non-acceptance,  Don’t communicate your anxiety
fear, self-doubt, financial anxiety and inse- through aggressive behaviour.
curity about the well-being of loved ones.  Immerse yourself in productive,
“In vulnerable people — especially elders enjoyable and meaningful activities.
and children — these emotions manifest  Appreciate others’ anxiety without
by way of heightened stress, depression, rubbishing it. Reassure elders and chil-
fatigue, disturbed sleep and loss of appetite. dren about beneficial outcomes of follow-
It is important to counsel and calm them ing expert advice.
against these disturbing phenomena,” says  Explain the pandemic to children in
Dr. Ramaiah. age-appropriate language, and ways and
Dr. Ramaiah’s prescription for parents to combat means to protect themselves against it.
pandemic-related anxiety:  Be responsible, decisive, confident, and safe.

Balance

STUDY & PLAY

ome guidelines for balancing children’s study, play and
Sreflection time during the lockdown period:
 Designate a work space for each child to do her study,
assignments and online learning.
 Draw up a daily time table jointly with children. Most
children love structured learning and school discipline, even
if they won’t admit it.
 Use timers, the home equivalent of the school bell. Try
to model their day at home on the in-school day. But desist
from imposing academic learning 6-8 hours per day as in
school. Allow time for co-curricular music, dance, reading,
learning, sports education and connecting with friends. captive children with constant activity. Contrary to popular
 Encourage children to help with household chores by belief, spells of boredom and masterly inactivity are
packaging them as valuable learning experiences. beneficial for the cognitive growth and development of
 Ensure they eat well, remain hydrated and play every children.
day.  Encourage them to grab some sunshine. Exposure
 Inspire them to engage in altruistic activities, e.g, to raise to the sun’s rays speeds up the production of vitamin D
which boosts immunity and releases serotonin. This keeps
funds for a charity. children calm, positive, and focused.
 Simultaneously, resist the temptation to overwhelm

parentsworld • june 2020 14