Children stay indoors amid capital schools’ closure

Shamila Jamaluddin, Staff Reporter

When the schools are shut down as a precautionary measure to combat the spread of Covid 19, it has left thousands of parents and guardians scrambling to what to do next.

With children staying at home 24/7, parents find it incredibly stressful and challenging, especially working mothers.

As for non-working mums’ point of view it’s how to survive several weeks at home with a houseful of kids with public fun activities also cancelled.

A non-working mom of three children aged between eleven and seven an Asian expat, Sualiha Cassim, agrees that closing schools is a necessary precaution to keep students, teachers, and families safe. “As a non-working mother I’m enjoying having my children home due to the fact it has eliminated my morning stress to get them out of the house to catch the school bus on time.

“It’s a crazy rush every morning with breakfast, boxes of lunch, getting them dressed and out of the door. Suddenly my mornings are peaceful with the children cosy in bed till I prepare them each breakfast to start the day. My three kids have each planned out their home and stay well till school opens again, by planning a time table to study and play,” Mrs Cassim quipped.

The problems are more complex for working mothers especially with nurseries and the daycare centre closures. From their point of view they are struggling to juggle work and who looks after the kids until their return.

“It gets a little crazy in our house,” said Judith Perera, an electrical engineer by profession. “I took leave for a week to look after my children aged eight and ten when schools closed earlier than expected. Later my husband took leave to be with them while I returned back to work,” explained Judith.

Of course, many capital parents are frenzy about coronavirus fears in a way they are shunning all outdoor activities including eating out which has affected some kids badly especially those who enjoy their weekly dining out at fast food restaurants.

One parent told Gulf Today, “Unless it’s absolutely necessary I’m not going out, as much as possible I’m shunning public places just to protect myself and my children from the virus.”

Going out to eat being a regular ritual for many families, some capital working mums who spoke with Gulf Today expressed their frustration, especially finding solutions to feeding their under 15-year-old wards staying home till school opens.