Exams scrapped, docs want parents to focus on children’s health

Chennai

With increasing reports of children testing positive, many parents are hesitant to send their children for outdoor games. But keeping them indoors all the time give them concern about their diet and fitness regimen.

“There are a good number of Yoga and aerobics classes on Zoom these days. Children can also take part in with parents in such classes. For younger children, it helps them get the necessary exercise they need. This is also a great opportunity for parents to bond with their children through shared activities,” said Dr Mohan Kumar, a paediatric surgeon.

“This emotional connect will provide children with an opportunity to speak out about their frustrations and fears amid lockdown uncertainties,” he said adding that children’s fears need to be addressed and alleviated for them to be able to stay indoors with a positive mindset.

Classes and seminars will also help keep children engaged, said Dr R Ganesh, senior consultant, paediatrics, Rainbow Children’s Hospital. “If they do have such classes, they should have at least one hour of the class followed by one hour of offline time. They need to have healthy breaks in between their classes, where they can either work on what they learned or play,” he said.

Dr Kumar suggested arts and craft classes or language classes as children take to such activities quickly and stimulate their creativity.