New Delhi (Sputnik): The outbreak of COVID-19 positive cases in India has propelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a nationwide three-week lockdown in the country. While social media was abuzz with videos of food and workouts posted by many users including Bollywood stars, kids seem to be finding this limitation a little boring.
Bollywood actress Sameera Reddy has drawn attention to a very important issue amidst the COVID-19 crisis in India. On an emotional note, she spoke about the anxiety that kids are facing in self-quarantine and being a mother of two, she too was experiencing the same thing.
In an instagram post, the actress, who is married to entrepreneur Akshai Varde and became the proud parent of two kids, wrote that the most important thing right now for her was the mental health of children.
She added, “I have put signs of deep anxiety in children on this post. Please look at it. Even if your kid is bit short right now and impatient and cannot handle this, talk and just be there for them. Make them feel safe, just be honest. Give things to do but a routine is just not going to do it. It’s gonna cut it if you are actually there for them. This is a time for that, this is a time for that”.
So what are the symptoms that your kids are anxious and stressed out?
Sahiba Rattan Sethi, a child counselling psychologist in Jaipurc said the lack of any physical activity, being cooped up in small apartments, unable to interact with friends and suddenly with nothing else to do but sit in front of the TV is creating irritation, impatience, and depression in children.
Medha Shidore, a child and adolescent counsellor, said during the lockdown children face several emotional, behavioural, and physical problems.
“Some traits can also show a complete personality reversal. A very lethargic/procrastinating child may show patterns of responsible behaviour. This is because they are constantly in the ‘Identity Formation’ phase. This phase is surely going to demonstrate some psychological changes in your child’s life and it’s beautiful to notice and accept those I feel”, she added.
So what’s the cure?
Kamakshi and Vishala Khurana, founders of The Sound Space, a one of a kind organisation that develops modules, workshops, and interactive sessions with music at its heart has programmes designed for both adults and children. They felt that it’s best to find ways of keeping your children engaged in different things.
Shidore elucidated that it’s the job of parents not ignore or neglect children’s responses or expressions or questions.
According to life coach Abhijita Kulshreshta, addiction to gadgets is a real thing and due to a lack of any other means to entertain oneself, children might find themselves spending more time with mobiles, tablets, and gaming consoles.
“In these conditions, the best you can do is to ensure that children drink enough water and exercise in some manner, whether it is dancing to some music or helping with chores or aerobics of any sort”, he told Sputnik.
The current lockdown will continue until 14 April, which is an effort to break the COVID-19 infection cycle. According to federal Health and Family Welfare Ministry data, there were 1,024 confirmed cases of infection as of 29 March, including 48 foreign nationals. Some 27 people have lost their lives.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
