Learning from home has been ubiquitous with Indian households for the past two years. As the pandemic hit us last year, the school and college-going kids had to move in front of their computers and mobile screens for studies. Learning from home sounds synonymous with working from home, so are its consequences. Initially, what sounded like a fancy thing has now turned out to be causing stress and anxiety. How has it affected children? Let us take a look at it.
Virtual Fatigue Is Real
Lately, we have been hearing from our pals that zoom calls are making them exhausted. It took a toll on our physical and mental health, so much so that we forgot to see children suffering from the same. Millions of children across the world have experienced virtual learning fatigue during the pandemic.
Several health blogs reveal that children suffering from online learning fatigue have shown relative signs of eye strain, exhaustion, headache, and anxiety. Spending prolonged screen time is harmful. It leads to various health issues in children. And above all, Mental health is of great concern. Isn’t it tiring to attend school/college by sitting in front of a computer screen? What can parents do about it? What could we do to save our kids from mental illness?
How to be supportive to your kids on learning from home?
According to a ThreeBestRated® psychiatrist, parents could do more to help their kids cope with online learning. So, here is how you could lend your support to your kids:
- Set up a separate space for learning: This could be tricky because most of our households have limited space for such activities. However, making up a place on the kitchen or dining table would be inappropriate for learning. You could create a peaceful personal space where there are no chances of any disturbances. It could save them from chaos. After all, a calm environment is ideal for learning.
- Stay with them occasionally: Being home and around family during the pandemic helps them cope with stress. Your presence during their class could have a positive impact. It gives them a feeling of safety and reassurance. However, do not annoy them by being around all the time.
- Give them a break: As online classes suck the energy out of them, breaks are essential. Plan adequate breaks according to their classroom schedule. It helps them avail themselves some time away from the screen to relax, revitalise and refresh. It helps them stay less stressed during the day.
- Acknowledge their emotions: Living through unprecedented times could be chaotic. If you notice signs of depression or sadness with your kids, talk to them, empathise with them. If that doesn’t help, seek the help of a mental health professional.
- Have Fun: Reward your kids for their good behaviour. It improves their mood. Engage them in fun activities and make memories. It will keep them out of the reach of stress & anxiety.
These are depressing times, and keeping one’s sanity intact is difficult in this situation. We cannot let our kids suffer from what is already consuming us, the virtual fatigue. We hope it all ends soon so that we could send off our kids to schools, real classrooms.
