Children the hidden victims of Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown

Covid-19 pandemic affects all areas of life. Still, there is no solid clue about the direction of spread. Nations are busy with the plans of the post-pandemic era. Meantime precautions are taken to prevent the second spike. Lockdown started getting some relaxation. Families are children centred. Lockdown even brings stress for children too. With the help of some solid evidence, I am trying to explore the facts.

In general, children are so emotional beings and the power bank of a family. Major decisions are taken in the family are child-centred. They need adequate love and affection. Need freedom for their choices. They need praise and support. The emotional needs of children are important because, when those needs are met, children can experience positive and healthy growth.

Several countries gradually begin lifting their lockdowns, but sill schools remain closed. Almost 1.3 billion children and students are affected worldwide. Still strict social restrictions are likely to remain in place across the globe. This scenario leaves children and youth who are already at risk such as those living in challenging home environments or lacking social support or facing poverty are more vulnerable.

99 per cent of children and young people under 18 worldwide (2.34 billion) live in one of the 186 countries with some form of movement restrictions in place due to COVID-19. Sixty per cent of all children live in one of the 82 countries with a full (7%) or partial (53%) lockdown – accounting for 1.4 billion young lives.

Some positive ways to handle the children during a lockdown:

• Spend as much as time with the child. In a child’s calculation, the formula goes like Time + Attention = Love. Attending the child when he calls, making eye contact when he speaks, and responding to his queries with interest, show that he is important.
• Children require affection: Often smile, hug, kiss, and use caring words. Loving touch and kind words make them feel loved.
• Children need to know that their feelings are accepted, their mistakes are not considered so that their love from the family is unconditional. 
• Children feel respected and valued when their opinions, feelings, and desires are acknowledged. 
• Often praise and appreciate their efforts. Showing approval enhances the self-esteem of a child. 
• Constant support and continues encouragement restore the self-belief and build optimism. 

Try to avoid the following:

• Comparisons
• Criticisms
• Negative phrases
• Yelling at children

Children are active and packed with high energy. During the lockdown, their energy and enthusiasm are limited to just home. It is very much challenging for them and parents as well. Having a little bit of knowledge about the child’s psychology is better before the parents judge their behaviour. Patience and kindness are beautiful features make the parents create a long term remembrance of the lockdown in a positive sense for the children.