The present pandemic condition is impacting everyone in one way or another. The most vulnerable age group is 3 -10 where they are deprived of playing with friends due to social distancing as the present norm. Every child is undergoing stress and anxiety being inside a restricted area, exposed to online education and studies through digital devices. Once the school re-opens, the mental health condition of the children needs to be prioritized than academic accomplishments. The pent-up emotional feeling of frustration, irritation, stress needs to be assessed and channelized in an appropriate way to promote a healthy mind. Emotional well- being during childhood is most important for having healthy and happy adulthood. The impact of many negative emotions during childhood might leave a scar in the long run of life. At this age of growing, a child needs to grow mentally and physically through social-emotional well-being. Here are some of the emotional condition of a child and measures to overcome negative emotions for good mental health.
Some of the Emotional condition of a child at this juncture is
- Isolation and loneliness
- Stress/Anxiety – as the most discussed topic in the family/news/society
- Fear of future
- Worry about family members or instability at home
- Feeling insecure
- Mood swings without physical activities and lack of peer’s interaction
- Feeling bored in online classes
- Cry spells
- Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
Every family, school association, daycare/ play homes, Governing body of the Education system, and Government need to understand the importance of the Emotional well-being of children for holistic growth. Only when we have a mentally healthy society, we can deal with any situation in a calm and composed way. Few steps that can be practically dealt with in an education system to promote social-emotional development of children are
- Understand the emotional condition of the child and welcome them with love, appreciation, and kindness
- Schedule a time table with more physical education, games, athletic performance, fun activities to reduce the stress and anxiety
- Bring the connected and belonging through music, dance, creative art and craft
- Social skills and communication for a child develop through interaction, eye-contact, and sharing-caring concept.
- The primary focus needs to be given on improving self-esteem and confidence than academic curriculum/exam and assessment.
- Resource teacher if identify any child with aloofness or separation anxiety, immediate attention needs to be given with a professional psychologist for the child and the family to cope up in the right way.
- Parents need to understand the emotional situation of the child from a child’s perspective rather than academic advancement.
For a child social-emotional development happens through interaction with peers, empathetic teachers and a conducive atmosphere to learn. Our children are the future responsible citizens of our society. To bring peace and harmony in our world, prioritizing the need for the emotional well-being of children is the need of the hour. Let’s work together and ensure to build a strong supportive community for our children.