As they connected me to my son, a tiny little voice said Hello Mamma. It made my heart beat a little fast. I could sense he was worried about something. As we conversed I repeatedly inquired whether he was feeling all right. He shared he was feeling slightly uncomfortable with his cough (he had developed an allergic cough during the Bihu break and was on medication). Then very softly he said "Mamma I never took my medicine after breakfast at school. What if my cough does not go away?"
I had actually given him his cough syrup and nasal spray before he left for school in the morning. During the Bihu break he had got accustomed to taking his medication post breakfast. This lead to confusion and stress for him. As after having his breakfast with his friends at the school dining hall he realised he had no medication to take. After I pacified him, he was at ease and happily went off to his classroom. Right now as I am writing this, I received another call from his school that he is absolutely fine and busy with his class work.
Routines are important in every child's life. It aids in stability in an otherwise uncertain and unpredictable world. The child feels much more comfortable knowing what to do next and what comes next. Routines are also reassuring because children feel informed and experience a feeling that they have not been forced with some task or engagement. This enables their joyful cooperation and participation out of their own will. Routines also help in creating a sense of empowerment and independence in children.
While change is an opportunity to learn, it can also be stressful for children. Children require predictability in their daily routine. Whenever there is a change in their routine (however minor it may be) it is very important to communicate the same in a manner, which is easily comprehensible for them. This helps in bringing consistency and comfort in their day to day life as well along with providing a sense of normality. Children have a tendency to fear the unknown. Therefore it is important for adults around them to prepare them for any changes. This helps to reduce stress and brings in a sense of security despite the changes in their routine or life.
Though routines are essential in the day to day life of children, it is also helpful to be flexible at certain times. What my son experienced today, I would say was an opportunity to learn to be flexible. This is what I am planning to discuss with him during our scheduled daily evening conversation.
Ms. Gariasi Dutta, MSW (TISS), Dip.CMH (NIMHANS), Certified in Addiction Counselling (NIMHANS)
Psychological Counsellor
down town hospital
Guwahati
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