This story is from September 18, 2020

Odisha: Parents direct kids to hobbies to stave off confinement fatigue

Odisha: Parents direct kids to hobbies to stave off confinement fatigue
Banshika Pangrahi and Parnavi Panigrahi
BHUBANESWAR: Parents are encouraging their children to devote more time to their hobbies, as the little ones, as well as teenagers, find themselves confined indoors for days. Parents said hobbies helped kids’ mental nourishment and psychological development, increased creativity and reduced their screen time.
“Earlier, we used to keep kids away from gadgets. But with online classes regular now, gadgets have become integral to their education.
So once their classes and homework are done, I encourage my children to pursue their hobbies,” said Richa Mahapatra, mother to Biswabijayee (11) and Bhagyashree (5).
"Biswabijayee loves painting. He spent the Rath Yatra painting different aspects of the festival as he watched the events on television. Bhagyashree likes making her favourite character Lord Ganesha out of coloured dough. She even rolls out a chapati with me in the kitchen” said Mahapatra, adding that she also encouraged the two to cycle on the terrace and dance.
Ekakhyaar Trinath Pattanaik (8) likes to help out his parents in their garden, which has 30 to 40 varieties of plants. “I liked planting and watering plants with my father even before the lockdown. Now I can harvest lady’s finger, my favourite vegetable, from the garden. I also like to cycle in the garden,” said Ekakhyaar. His parents said gardening would make him more conscious of the environment. The little boy also helps his parents around the house.
Sisters Banshika Panigrahi (13) and Parnavi Panigrahi (3) like to immerse themselves in books and painting when they are not studying. While the older girl likes reading about space exploration, Parnavi loves The Panchatantra, ghost stories and dancing. “Reading about space exploration and computers is my hobby. It relaxes me,” said Banshika. Their mother, Monalisa Panigrahy, said books enhanced kids’ imagination and increased their knowledge.
There has also been an increase in the demand for online hobby classes. Smruti Mishra, a freelancer, said she had received a good response for the art and crafts classes she conducted, both for mothers and children. “Children often surprise their parents with their imagination and creativity during communication and storytelling workshops,” said Smruti.
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