Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, July 3
The transition from physical classes to online learning has been quite stressful for both students and their parents, especially mothers. Many are complaining of psychological problems being faced by them amid pandemic.
Simple steps to handle the situatio
- Sharing responsibilities with spouse, siblings or other family members.
- Preparing and encouraging their children to be more independent in handling their responsibilities.
- Setting time for children in which activities like helping kids for their work, problem solving, planning and feedback should be initiated.
- Guarding screen time activities of their kids by regularly checking history, installing online content filters and blocking access to adult content.
- Engaging their children in group, family and social activities of their interest.
- Avoid confrontation with children rather patiently listen to their views, demands and needs.
- Discuss child’s concern with your partner or family members. Set ideal and stimulating environment for children at home.
- Take care of your own personal needs such as sleep, diet, rest and recreational activities.
- If required, take professional help of psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor.
Mothers are facing extra responsibilities of engaging their children, especially younger ones, during online classes apart from daily household chores. The balance between household tasks, family responsibilities and self-care have been disturbed further adding to their distress.
“Many mothers are showing symptoms of psychological disturbances such as sadness, frustration, irritability, hyper-sensitivity, apprehensions, helplessness, exhaustion, sleep and appetite disturbances, weight loss, headache, body-ache, gastro-urinary symptoms etc. It also becomes the precursor of strained interpersonal, marital and familial relationships,” said city based-psychiatrist Dr Rajeev Gupta.
Adding further, Rohini Singh, a homemaker, said she has been struggling hard to cope with the challenge.
“It has been really difficult to manage the things with kids studying from home and it is taking a mental toll on me. Now, I have to manage their classes and school work also which earlier was taken care by their teachers. Logging on their classes on time and making sure they finish their notes on time and then there is homework. Things become difficult when there is lock down and house helpers don’t come. I am taking therapy sessions to overcome the bouts of depression I am facing,” she said.
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