– by Mena Mittle
A pessimist sees a problem in every opportunity, and an optimist sees an opportunity in every problem. The Covid-19 pandemic that has been rampaging around the world for nearly a year now has reminded us what it means to be innovative and how optimism can tilt the odds in your favor. When the nationwide lockdown was imposed to prevent the spread of the lethal virus, every industry and institution was shut down – including schools and colleges. Children had to spend months on end cooped up in their homes – away from their friends, away from their teachers, away from the school playground that plays host to magical moments of friendship and competition.
Seeing the direness of the situation, the school authorities quickly sprang into action. It was the responsibility of the educators and parents to ensure that the children, especially young ones, do not suffer from the lack of proper education and the nurturing environment that the schools provide. Not only did the schools manage to reach out to their students via online education, but the parents also got to spend some time with their children, something that had become impossible in the nuclear urban families since both the parents are working nowadays. This has also allowed parents to help their children learn important life skills like first aid, budgeting money, doing laundry, ironing, cooking, learning to use basic tools, and time management among others.
The schools have also taken it upon themselves to ensure that the children are learning real-life skills besides academic concepts. For this purpose, many activities are regularly being conducted by the school authorities to keep children engaged and entertained through these tough times. While there is no denying that these times are difficult for everyone, they are especially difficult for children. Unlike adults, the concept of social distancing is difficult to digest for children. They may feel low and unmotivated if they do not get to hang out and play with their friends. This is where the regular online activities conducted by the schools play a major role. They foster a sense of belongingness and the children can interact virtually with each other and feel like an extended family.
The mental health aspect
Regardless of whether the signs are noticeable or not, the extended lockdown and the current scenario of panic and fear has certainly taken a toll on the mental health of children. It is, therefore, the duty of parents and teachers to ensure that the children are not suffering from mental illnesses like anxiety, stress, and depression.
For this purpose, the schools can start a hotline where the children can vent their feelings and be counseled properly by mental health professionals. Many schools have already done so and are seeing a positive impact on the overall mental well-being of their students.
Parents also need to sit their children down and explain to them the practicalities of the situation. They need to explain to the children that while the disease is dangerous and they need to be cautious at all times and follow proper protocols. There is no need to panic unnecessarily. Explaining to children that most patients who contract Covid-19 only exhibit mild symptoms and that it isn’t always life-threatening might also help put them at ease.
Besides that, the school authorities as well as the parents can indulge children in physical activities like calisthenics, Yoga, and meditation. Not only are these exercises good for physical health, but they also calm the mind and usher an air of peace and tranquility.
The best thing to do in such a scenario is to make sure that the children do not sit idle all day. It will only cause them to feel gloomy, lazy, and bored. This difficult time is a great opportunity to teach important life-skills, discipline, and moral values to the children which would help them throughout their lives. That is something we should all focus on.
About The Author
Ms Mena Mittle ,Vice Principal of Modern Public School has been associated with school for 28 years, performing her duties diligently and to the best of her ability. Under her guidance and mentorship, the school has brought laurels home in almost all the fields be it academics or cocurricular activities. Her vision begins with a strong focus on holistic education. As a Vice Principal, she has transformed and taken the school to the next level of globalisation . She has been constantly engaged to prepare global citizens via Multi cultural exchange programs with foreign schools.
