PW invited parents of KC Public School, Jammu, to share insights on new skills they are encouraging their children to acquire during these unprecedented stay-at-home times

“Life has not been the same since March this year and may not be for some years to come. It has been dreary for our children — Amodhini (18) and Aditya (13) — to remain confined within the home, away from all the amusement and fun. But I always remind them that although Covid-19 has disrupted life in many ways, it has also given us a golden opportunity to strengthen family ties, spirituality, develop healthy eating habits, catch up on reading and improve our meditation, gardening and cooking skills. I have always believed that life can be best lived with a well-stocked library and a garden to tend.” — Dr. Arvind Karwani, additional secretary (home department), Civil Secretariat, Jammu & Kashmir

“The Covid crisis has upended many aspects of teenagers’ ‘normal’ lives which once started with the morning sprint to catch the school bus and ending late evening at a tuition centre. To adapt to the ‘new normal’, I encourage my son — Vihaan (14) — to utilise this time to develop his linguistic, oratory and social skills. Vihaan participated in seven online Model United Nations conferences and even bagged two delegate awards. The conferences enabled him to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Moreover, it helped him to learn to accept other views and opinions and enhanced his critical thinking skills.” — Dr. Vanilla Chopra, HOD and senior consultant, department of critical care medicine, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Jammu

“After schools shut down following the Covid-19 outbreak, I noticed that my children — Sulaksh (14) and Mrinmay (12) — were becoming progressively restless. I encouraged them to invest some time in our home-made masks project and distribution effort among frontline warriors. They even helped us distribute rations to slum dwellers and migrants. Community service has helped them develop a sense of empathy and compassion for the less privileged. Even feeding stray animals has become a part of their daily agenda. Moreover, they have signed up for online painting courses and engage in extra-curriculars including baking and needlework. Healthy eating habits and a daily fitness regimen are also helping them build strong immunity.” — Sunaina Mehta, deputy commissioner, State Taxes, Jammu & Kashmir government

“The subtle ways of family bonding in the Covid era have come through a variety of collective activities with my daughter Naveya (17). The most memorable activity has been redecorating and rearranging our home together. Brainstorming interior design ideas has been more than just a cerebral exercise for all of us. It has helped us appreciate and admire each other’s efforts towards the final outcome. Experimenting with new recipes and cooking exotic meals make up another frequent together activity. Finding joy in simple pleasures of life and cherishing these moments has been our greatest takeaway.” — Premalata Patial, chief accounts officer, Jammu & Kashmir government