But parents are still contemplating about sending their little ones back to the classroom. Validly so, as there is still a lot of fear and uncertainty around the pandemic. New variants keep coming up, threatening to take the world hostage again. And there is no vaccination available yet in our country for children and adolescents.
The good news during this whole ordeal is that our young audience has shown a better immune response to the Covid-19 virus. Most children and adolescents infected by the virus are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. However, they are as prone to catching an infection and transmitting the virus as any other age group. And parents do not want to take any chances.
The restrictions and controls levied by the pandemic since mid-March of last year have been sad for all but almost cruel for these little bundles of energy. School is only about online classes, friends are available either on the screen or phone, playdates are far and few, if at all, birthday parties have become a thing of the past, and outdoor fun, if and when allowed, comes loaded with a lengthy list of dos and don'ts. For once, children are eager to head back to school. Parents also realise the importance of bringing back a semblance of normalcy to children's lives for their emotional, mental and physical well-being.
Here are some tips to help parents as they prepare to let children start going to school again:
1. First and foremost, parents need to mentally prepare themselves to let their kids out of their sight and supervision and back into the outside world. The parents’ state of mind has a huge bearing on the child. If parents are calm and composed, the child will be confident in heading out and adjusting to the new ways of the world.
2. It is good to have a conversation with the child and make him/her feel involved in making decisions that affect them. Present your thoughts, listen to their views, answer their queries and discuss before arriving at a decision. Children are more responsible and committed to complying with agreements than instructions.
3. Children are as aware of the measures to stay safe from the virus as adults. However, the concern is about doing it. The whole family needs to habitually follow preventive measures and make them a way of life. Another good idea is to give children the responsibility to ensure that people around them follow all precautionary measures. Tell them to politely highlight or suggest in case they see something unsuitable. The children will be aware and responsible for their own selves when given the charge to guide others.
4. Adolescents are often a greater challenge than tiny tots. It is normal for them to have a sense of being invincible and thereby engage in risky behaviour. Parents need to assume the role of a friend with adolescents and be patient with them. Trust is an important factor when dealing with adolescents. Assure them of your trust in them with a subtle reminder that any irresponsible behaviour at their end can put the whole family at the risk of acquiring the disease.
5. Schools are doing their best to ensure a safe and healthy environment as they prepare to welcome children back to the brick-and-mortar classrooms. Parents can support them in this endeavour by volunteering to monitor, guide, counsel and help the kids to adapt to the new ways of school life. Being actively involved in the school will make parents feel in control and ease any concerns they might have had about safety at school. This may also encourage other parents to send their children to school and thereby help in bringing life closer to normal for the youngsters.
6. Parents should ensure that all adults in the family are fully vaccinated (unless medically advised against the same). Do not send children to school if they or anyone at home is unwell. If your child has any medical conditions that might put him/her at a higher risk, please consult the pediatrician regarding sending the child to school in the present scenario. Covid-19 vaccination for children has not yet been introduced in our country but do keep your child up-to-date on routine childhood and adolescent immunizations.
The best way to boost children's immune systems is to give them a happy and healthy environment. As a parent, do your bit, be happy, believe in a better tomorrow and stay #FutureFearless.
