EXPERT TIP

Most kids are feeling restless, anxious and stressed out. I’ve also seen mild symptoms of depression in some. The way kids tackle this pandemic will affect their personality and thinking patterns for their entire lives. Parents need to have a constant dialogue with kids to understand what they are absorbing from outside, if they have any misconceptions which can be dealt with, time to time. Daily dialogue forms a connection.

Dr Gitanjali Sharma, Child counsellor and parenting expert

With schools being shut, kids are getting limited learning and restricted peer interaction. Physical contact with the outside world, which is critical for their physio-social wellbeing and development, is lacking. They may feel low and confused about the current situation, which can lead to anxiety and it will only increase with exposure to social media.

Ajanta Sen, Counselling psychologist

and founder, Embrace Change