Dr Mangala Borkar
You may have seen that viral video - The child passes by a building and says to his father “I have some connect with this place, probably from my previous birth.” The father raps him and shouts, “This is your school.”
Children are stressed about the third wave hitting them.
A few parents asked, “Will there be problem of beds? Hope enough oxygen will be there! Does ‘black fungus ‘affect kids?’’ Why let the third wave crash on our children? Instead of struggling for beds? and oxygen later, continue to use mask, keep away from crowds and get vaccinated ASAP. Children imitate adults - teach them by example. This will protect your entire family. Do not let your guard down even after this second wave subsides.
(The writer is Profess of Geriatrics, GMC, Aurangabad)
Dr Sanjeev Saoji,
Consulting Psychiatrist, (Former) Prof Psychiatry, GMC, Aurangabad
Preparations are in full swing to tackle the predicted Covid onslaught on children in the third wave.
We need to look into the mental stress that kids are facing since last year.
·Older children may subconsciously worry about the academic loss they are encountering.
·All must be missing friends, the journey to and fro school, the pranks and playground, the teachers and tiffin. A holiday is fun but compulsory absence is not.
·It is difficult to educate rural children, where internet connectivity is not steady, or if there is no or only one smartphone in a family with two or more kids, especially if a parent needs it too, for work.
·It is important that parents should squeeze out time to keep them fruitfully and happily occupied.
·Try to involve older children in your work. They will spend more time with you and will learn too. They may feel important to be of help.
·Keep them as away from media as you can. Try to teach them whatever skills or art you have, yoga, exercise. Good for you and them.
·Do not fight or be irritable in their presence - which is always! Learn to be calm.
·Be patient and positive. This takes less efforts and is more rewarding than moving heaven and earth if the child becomes sick
Dr Prasad Deshpande
Professor, Psychiatry, GMC Aurangabad.
·The incidence of domestic violence, addictions (especially among males) and atrocities on children has almost doubled in the past year.
·Quarrels, depression in parents get reflected on children.
·Mobiles may be misused.
·The media barrage about the horrors of Corona, tragic incidents related to the virus in the family or neighborhood, may have traumatic effects.
·Being secluded makes them depressed and scared. Lack of support from parents who cannot cope with their own frustrations can add to their misery.
·Financial problems, a parent losing the job, migration can be traumatic.
·Parents should stop negative discussions and try to instill hope and confidence in their children.
·This is the time to be grateful for just being alive. These dreadful times will pass away soon. Children should be encouraged to think beyond today and live for the future.