Stranded in pandemic: How mothers of school-going children are

Dr. Nowshin Islam works at the Physiology department Mugda Medical College. But apart from being a doctor, Nowshin is also a mother. Her daughter Joyi studies at Kindergarten section of a private school in Dhaka. Joyi’s regular life came to standstill as all the educational institutions have been remaining closed since the onset of the pandemic.

The shutdown left hundreds of thousands of children like Joyi marooned at home. Before the pandemic, they used to pass couple of hours in school.

Mothers are struggling to support their children.

“They hardly care about our words passing so many days at home. They became a bit tetchy. Though online classes are going on, guardians have to give time there,” Dr. Nowshin told The Report.

She said, “Mental health of the children worsened amid the pandemic while pressure is pouring on the parents as well. But, if the parents become angry, that will bring another detrimental consequence. So, the guardians have to be more cautious talking to them.”  

Dr. Lisa Damur, a columnist of New York Times, said, “Children are passengers of a vehicle and we are the drivers. If we become anxious, the children onboard our vehicles will not feel safe. So, the anxiety should never be shown before them. Instead, we have to build a rock-solid relationship with them.”  

However, the pandemic brought a grave impact in professional life, economy, education and health. Hence, this a big challenge to the parents to keep their temper in control.

Experts say, most of the children depend on their mothers. The mothers’ behaviour put huge impact on the kids.

Some mothers disagree. Gul Bahar is one of them. Talking to The Report she said, “I was a bit panicky while the lockdown began. Everyone becomes trapped when it starts. Kids were being addicted to mobile phones. But, now it has changed. They play indoor cricket. Getting all family members together is a good thing.”

The coronavirus infection is soaring up along with the fatalities. Apart from physical health, mental health also in great risk. Parents say, without concerted efforts to build awareness the situation is likely to deteriorate further.