Parents must ensure kids are kept engaged, stress psychologists

Mangaluru: The state government’s move to ban online classes and pre-recorded videos for children from class I to 5, has only added to parents’ stress. Many have urged the government to come up with ideas to keep their wards engaged productively.
"We are against online classes and pre-recorded videos as it serves no purpose. And being glued to mobiles or laptops is not good for the health of a child. But we would like the government to find innovative methods of learning for children while at home," urged a parent, who requested anonymity.
Most parents TOI spoke to say that they are ready to lose a year than risk their child’s health. Many wanted the school to give the kids homework or some academic activities, says Jayashree GS, president, DK District Headmasters’ Association. So several schools have formed WhatsApp groups where teachers send homework for children.
With no school and cooped up at home for so long, some children have begun exhibiting behavioural changes, says Shwetha K T, psychologist and director of Anirveda Resource Centre for Psychological Wellbeing. "During the lockdown not only were their movements restricted as they could not go out to play, they were also being monitored closely at home. Now post-lockdown, suddenly there is nobody monitoring them with parents getting back to work. If the child is not engaged academically, emotionally and psychologically and brought into a structured system while at home, things can get difficult when he/she resumes school," adds Shwetha. She also advises parents to keep children engaged while at home.
Since schools are unlikely to open soon and academic activities aren’t too many, parents now have a bigger role to play in keeping them engaged, says Jagruti Karkera, child psychologist, Yenepoya Medical College. Jagruti fears that with parents at work, and nobody to monitor the children, they could get stray. "Parents need to find ways or activities that will help children gain something. However, avoid giving them gadgets. If left idle, the child will start throwing tantrums and may be reluctant to go to school once it resumes," she added.