A child is more than a student

I happened to notice this group of children waiting for their annul school health check up, in the out-pateint area of a hospital. What held my attention was the several playful body gestures and gesticulations they were preoccupied with, while they were waiting for their turn to be seen by the health care team. 

We need to understanding the needs of children on different occasions and settings.  

Most parents take children along with them when they visit their family friends. If there are no children that they can play with in that home, any child will lose interest in the novelty of place and people and would soon show  restlessness. The more the parents try pacifying such an unoccupied child, the more the parents would feel disappointed because of non compliance. 

A similar experience may await parents when they take young children on long journey in the car or in a train. After the initial novelty of travel and watching new sights, fade away children would show signs of restlessness by quarrelling with each other or doing naughty things which would provoke parents to punish them.  

There can be instances of similar restless behaviour, when children are not prepared for what await them. Let me suggest three broad guidelines to help children in their transitions. 

Every child needs preparation to get ready for any change. Going on a long travel, visiting a home, going to a mall or restaurant can evoke mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement in many children.

Every child needs something to occupy himself with, when he or she has to wait or is in transit. Let every child have a small bag of toys, reading books, creative art materials, or M3 player, cuddly toys etc. when they have to spend long time outside their own home. Adults need to pay attention to children to help them in their adjustment process, when they are away from home. If children are restless at home, consider if they have an environment which can occupy them. Every home needs to have an inclusive approach where children will have an access to toys, books, creative activities of art, music, play, etc. They need a place which they can call it as their own- a table, shelf, chair, etc. 

About fifty percent of children whom parents bring for consultation for inattention or restlessness are those who do not have opportunities to be actively engaged in out-door activities of play, games or sports or not having stimulating and engaging activities at home. Most of what children are made to do are academic activities at school and home that some children are disinclined to learn. 

Ravi, a eight year old child mentioned to me that, 'What is common between home and school is the pressure to study. I am tired of this. When will they let me enjoy my childhood?'. Ravi got first prize in elocution and solo singing at the school cultural festival. He actively participated in athletics and played in the school basket ball team. 

We, adults and parents, need a different mind set, to think about the all round needs of children.  A child is more than a student.  

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)