“Mummy, I’m bored!”
…That’s a wail that every mother dreads. Women across the city share insights into keeping children both busy and safe at this time when the coronavirus has led to school vacations coming earlier than expected
The COVID-19 virus has sent panic rippling across the world, and people everywhere are having to recalibrate the ways in which they have been living, working and relaxing. Schools and colleges have been declared closed till March 31. While on the one hand the announcement has brought relief to parents who were worried about the safety of their children while mingling with others in classrooms, playgrounds and public transport, it has brought challenges on another front.
In a situation where places of public entertainment are also closed and it is considered risky to spend time outdoors, parents, particularly working mothers, quickly found that there was a flip side to the relief. How were they to keep their little bundles of energy engaged while cooped up in the house?
But the inventive side of a
Kid at an activity school in the city
mother’s brain kicks in on demand. Here are some ways in which women across the city are helping their children to be productively occupied during the unexpected vacation.
MEANWHILE
Vandana Badruka, founder of Kalpataru, an activity school in Banjara
Hills that offers instruction in various arts and hobbies, has responded to the situation by coming up with online classes. “Since the main focus is on avoiding mass gatherings, I came up with the idea of online classes through Skype. The same activities that take place live will go on-line from today”, says Vandana. “The 15-day schedule will
keep children engaged with fun activities”, she says, adding, “some mothers have asked that teachers be sent to their homes, and we’re thinking about doing that.” Vandana points out that if the situation continues into the summer, it will be difficult for parents to keep their children occupied, as resources are limited. “We will then come up with more installations,” she promises.