SUBDUING THE PANDEMIC STRESS IN CHILDREN — Dr Surya S. Nair

SUBDUING THE PANDEMIC STRESS IN CHILDREN

As many of us are facing lots of challenges during this pandemic,in pursuing our passion online calls, online meetings to make our family financially stable and safe. So while we are making the harmony in our house during this pandemic the emotional needs of children are somehow ignored. They are observing everything and being silent inside their homes. In OPD's nowadays getting more cases of complaining of a stressed and frustrated child.

According to UNICEF due to the closing of schools in 188 countries more than 1.5 billion children and young people are affected due to covid-19 outbreak. Each and everyone is battling against the effects of the corona virus pandemic.

As the second wave of covid-19 impact is more in children every parent is in a state of panic and imposing a self lockdown in the house so as to make the family safe. The schools and colleges have been shut for safety reasons more than 1 year and it had directly or indirectly affected the little minds very deeply. Now a days more incidents of young children showing an increased tendency to burst into tears, throwing temper tantrums and clinging to the parents. The teenagers suffering from anxiety and stress experience unpredictable anger, loss of appetite, headache and they appeared depressed and withdrawn from family meeting.

The pandemic has changed the way children "Typi-

cally grow, learn, play, behave, interact and man-

age emotions". This pandemic has disrupted the children both mentally and physically. Lack of physical sports, lack of social interaction, tight schedule of online schooling, isolation Quarantine at home and anxious parents have developed depression boredom and fear among children.

Overcoming Stress In Children They have been observed to have conduct problems, externalizing problems, Peer problems and general psychosocial distress when compared with children who did not exercise. Children with physical activity had lower hyperactivity, inattention and less prosocial behaviour problems. They have a lot of things going around in their head besides the emotional perspective. The biggest worry of a little child is whether or not he will be able to meet his friends, teachers in the school and in teenagers, worry will be, will they or the family gets sick.

In this crisis situation children can perceive anxiety which can cause them to feel stressed, while parents and guardians are looking for ways to safeguard their kids from viruses. It's also important to help them cope with their pandemic stress.

Some may become more attached, some may become anxious, angry, hyperactivity, some may even start wetting the bed, and some may become silent. The way of expressing the psychosocial distress is different in each child and they behave differently depending on their age.

What can we do??

Always bear in mind, as this is also a difficult time for them so they need more love care and attention now 1. Listen to their concerns 2. Show them your support 3. Be there to reassure them

As this is a challenging time for them it will be difficult to understand what they are going through, what they are hearing from elder people, what they are seeing online, what they are seeing on TV, so this will make them more vulnerable leads to anxiety, stress and sadness.

An open discussion with your children in a supportive way according to their age helps them to cope up with the situation. Keeping a child busy during this pandemic is a big task for parents. In such a condition, we can introduce new activities like reading, dancing, Yoga, meditation etc.

(1) TALK TO THEM

Stress, sadness, anxiety and depression can be reduced by parents to some extent by talking about what is happening and providing clear information. Always remember to talk with your child in such a way that they can understand as per their age. If your child is a teenager, then talk him about something they like eg:-sports, TV- shows, friends. Explain them clearly what will happen if he/she affected the covid-19 and let them know they may require medical attention or hospitalization to make sure they recover in a very friendly way. If separation is necessary due to hospitalization, quarantine, isolation parents should ensure them you will be with them in a regular contact via video call or voice call or any other means.

(2) LISTEN TO THEM.

Parents should listen to them calmly about what they are feeling, their concerns about the current situation, their opinion and ideas so we can help them to solve their problems and temper tantrums.

(3) PLAY WITH THEM.

Encourage children to play indoor game and activities like chess, carroms, dumb charades, antakshari, balancing beam, scrabbles etc.

If your child is a baby or toddler, sing a song for him, make music using pots and spoons, copy their facial expression, copy their sound, tell a story, read a book, and show pictures.

If your child is around 6-10 year old then play dance and freeze, do chores together -make cleaning and cooking a game.

If your child is a teenager then go for a walk around the home or do a work out together.

(4) BE WITH THEM.

For parents keeping the home atmosphere positive is like playing with fire nowadays, when the little one & teenagers are driving you crazy it will end up in saying 'Stop doing that /Shut up'.

Children are much more likely to copy what we do so give them a positive vibe and praise them for what

they do right and scold them calmly and make them understand if they do something wrong. Assist them in their online classes and give short breaks between the session so they can feel fresh and energetic. Always remember to praise a child if he behaves well.

(5) SPENDING TIME WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY.

'Switch off the TV and mobile this is virus free (family) time'.

Try to keep the children close to parents, grandparents and other family members. It is a chance to strengthen relationships with your children as the schools are shut down; it helps them to feel loved, secured and show them they are important. Praise the child frequently for their strength such as showing compassion, helpfulness and courage.

Using simple tools like telling stories, singing with them, playing games, cooking and an interactive session with parents and grandparents to spend their time productively.

(6) PLAN FOR A VIRTUAL PLAYDATE.

As they are missing school, fun classes, playground, friends group, caring teachers, we can encourage them to socialize with friends and classmates via virtual platform under parent’s supervision.

(7) MAKE A HEALTHY ROUTINE FOR THEM.

Maintain a healthy routine for your child as it might hamper their cognitive growth. First establish a flexible and consistent daily routine in the house and stick to it as much as possible. Create a routine in such a way that they can participate in household activities, online classes, exercise, meditation and also provide enough time to play and rest.

Ask your children to make a school time table their own, children usually follow it better if they make it.

A healthy routine should have a minimized screen time so they can express their feelings and creative ideas which help to make them feel relaxed and relieve stress and frustration.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

• Look at them • Listen to them • Make them feel you will be always there • Don't let them be confused • Always attentive and be clear with the facts. • Don't give false promises. • Tell them this phase too will pass • Little more love and little more care that's all they need

Wear a mask, social distancing and frequently hand wash, as the pandemic is not over yet.

Dr. Surya S. Nair (MD [Ay])

Assistant Professor, Department of Kaumarabhritya, Dhanvantari Ayurveda Medical College, Koydam, Gujarat.