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Children’s Play Behaviour a Buffer to Mitigate the Impact of Covid-19

Author : Dr. Veenu Wadhwa, Dr. Renu Gulati and Dr. Reema Lamba

Abstract :

Pandemics or disasters often put young children at risk. Covid-19 was also one pandemic that impacted young minds in ways that will unfold with time. There was a complete shutdown of schools and cancellation of classes leading to learning loss although learning was switched over to online medium but its accessibility for all needs to be evaluated. No source of recreation and/or restricted mobility, social isolation, a constant fear of the unknown may have had an impact on their socio-emotional well-being. This article has tried to highlight such key domains impacted by the pandemic. It also highlights the role of play as a salvation for children in these tough times although the nature of play was also impacted due to strict restrictions and lock down. Role of parents and family in initiating and sustaining play activities to mitigate the impact of pandemic has also been deliberated.

Keywords :

Play, Socio-emotional well-being, parent, pandemic