The Importance of Returning to what we know as ‘Normal’

The schools finally re-opening and today being Children’s day makes it the perfect opportunity for having a conversation about the mental well-being of our children. Going back to school would be the first step towards getting a sense of normalcy back in their lives. The ordeal over the last 18 months has been difficult for the whole of humanity but especially so for children.

In their development ages, when it’s most necessary for them to interact with their peers, play, and learn social skills, they had to be confined inside their houses and quickly adapt to a completely new world of learning online. One can only imagine the impact on young minds.

Sometime back, I met a young kid– son of someone I know – whom I've always known to be full of life – chatty, cheerful, and happy-go-lucky. Some years ago however, a tragic incident occurred that affected him severely and had caused him withdraw into a shell. Still, he was able to find joy in his daily routine of going to school and doing things he loved. Then came the pandemic. Spending time confined in his home only further accentuated what he was going through. Not being able to meet and interact with friends brought a complete shift in his personality. He would spend time only in his room, engrossed in his schoolwork, would hardly talk to anyone or indulge on his hobbies.

This only goes to show just how important face-to-face interactions are for kids. Meeting different people, making new friends, working out solutions for day-to-day challenges, all this is only possible in a conducive learning environment. It helps them gain a sense of self, stimulates their imaginative capabilities, and enables them to create their unique personality.

The past 1.5 years have severely affected this process. Learning only online can sometimes make it hard to fully grasp concepts and restricts holistic learning. It has been difficult for teachers and parents to gauge how much a child is engaging and understanding, even as they try their best to maintain the quality of education throughout the pandemic.

Children have missed out on all the activities and events like hobbies and extra-curricular activities, annual day celebrations, and the learnings these bring. And yet, they’ve shown such strength and resilience through this unprecedented time.

Now with children going back to school, there will certainly be new challenges coming up for students, parents, and teachers alike. One of these would be ensuring that everyone is safe and healthy and extra precautions are taken, especially until there’s a vaccination available for people under 18.

But despite these challenges, at least the kids will be able to experience school life once again and indulge in all the childhood shenanigans that are extremely necessary for their development. As human beings, the need for social interactions is as basic as food and shelter. It is required for us to thrive and survive. This is also the biggest reason I decided to reopen offices in a controlled manner. Even as productivity was high while working from home too, mental health was at stake. I can already see how much of a difference it has made in my team members, and in myself. Going to the office every day and seeing enthusiastic faces is what gives me the motivation to keep moving and to go about my day.

This Children’s day, I hope that our kids can again experience a happy childhood free of all the stress of the past few years, and all they take away from this is some valuable life lessons.