PARENTING DURING A PANDEMIC

Almost all school-going children in India have been home-bound for more than three months by the time this issue gis being put together. It has been an unprecedented and challenging time for parents and children alike. In this cover story, our contributors address the various issues that are top of mind for parents today. Read on.

- Shobhika Jaju

Relaxation exercises for children

We are in an age when everybody is humming the relaxation mantra and frequently discussing the benefits of meditation. However, much of the discussion on most forums is focused on relaxation for adults. Recent research suggests that young children and teenagers benefit from methods of relaxation; not only do such exercises calm them down but also equip them with the ability to cope well with various life stressors.

In the modern age, it is a myth that children’s lives are carefree and they can do whatever they want. If anything, their lives are far from carefree, what with the constant stream of instructions directed at them every day. A recent research suggests that many schoolchildren suffer from ‘deep anxiety’, and get as overwhelmed as their parents or other adults, when bombarded with instructions by their parents or teachers. Children are not able to cope with the stress, and other negative emotions, such as fear, anger, or even sadness, if exposed to them for a long period of time.

There are some obvious benefits of relaxation for children; some of these benefits are the same as those experienced by adults who practice relaxation:

– Just like in the case of adults, a relaxed child is able to think more constructively and positively. Tension affects not only an adult’s performance at work but also affects a child’s performance in academics, his/her interaction with adults and peers, and his/ her self-perception.