COVID-19 has indubitably left an undesirable impact on everyone. For children who are still in the process of learning and development, the effects of the pandemic on their health and wellness is concerning, especially in terms of their personal growth. For Dr. Cora Hui, Head of School at Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International School (CAPCL), she noticed that many Hong Kong children have become less independent and more reliant on their parents, being unable to do many things children their age are able to do. “Many are not as expressive to share their thoughts, and have become less sociable,” said Dr. Hui.
Parent Icy Lai also shares her own experience with her child. “Because he doesn’t have siblings it’s lonely for him to stay at home, and there is a change to his social skills,” she said. “When communicating, he doesn’t seem to be able to start a conversation or express his feelings.” She also talks about the emotional impact of the pandemic, where her child would feel anxious going out and prefers staying at home to watch TV or using electronic devices.
Understanding their role as a pillar of support and leadership for children during these uncertain times, Dr. Hui, along with Icy, talks about CAPCL’s holistic approach to education and wellness, and how it has helped students overcome the difficulties of the pandemic.
One effect of COVID-19 is the disruption of children’s daily routine, which in turn affects their sleep quality and health. Dr. Hui shares how CAPCL eases their anxiety by focusing on the heart and habits through holistic education, and to teach children to be aware of their thinking and their feeling. “In a world where there are new norms, where children don’t even know what “normal” is, we teach them how to have a thankful and willing heart, to learn and adapt and bring new challenge to heart,” she said.
“Under such stressful times, we help them understand the importance of maintaining or building healthy habits such as sleeping well, eating healthily, staying hydration,” she added.
Icy also talks about the role of parents during the pandemic, where as a mother she encourages this holistic approach to wellness in order to care for the health of the children, so they can maintain the right motivations and habits to function. “We need to remember that health is more important than achievements,” she said.
For Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International School, it is important to them that their students are aware of the support they have, provided by the school’s holistic approach to wellness. To shape character and build confidence, competence, and resilience, CAPCL students learn that, with the help of the school and their parents, they can overcome any problems together and look ahead to a bright future.
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