Homesickness is an emotional state that occurs in children who have moved to a school in another city or those who have joined a boarding school. It can be linked to separation-anxiety, loss, lifestyle change and conflicted feelings. Homesickness can be a traumatic experience for a student, but there are some things that educators can do to help students tide over this period.
Be alert to signs of homesickness:
Here are some symptoms-
- Spending too much time indoors.
- Lack of interest in outdoor activities and any extra or co-curricular activities.
- Missing deadlines and showing no desire to improve.
- Irrational behaviour and mood swings.
- A sudden change in weight (gain or loss)
Encourage homesick students to leave their rooms:
For a hosteler, staying within the confines of their room may initially seem comforting. However, the only result is that the child goes into a shell and does not interact with others in the hostel. Educators should ensure that a homesick child is encouraged to step out of her room and to participate in extra-curricular activities on the campus. A school library is also a good place for a hosteler to spend time and interact with other students. Schools also have hobby clubs which allow students to discover their new surroundings and hopefully make new friends.
Exercise can help cure homesickness:
Exercise has two major benefits- it will ensure physical fitness and also release those all-important, feel-good hormones: endorphins. These hormones can counter the side-effects that are a result of homesickness; namely, depression coupled with anxiety. Exercising in groups provides opportunities to meet peers and socialize. The immune system will get a boost and this will result in fewer cases of sickness.
A diary of homesickness:
The educator can encourage the child suffering from homesickness to maintain a diary. Putting all one’s thoughts on paper can be therapeutic. It gives the child to express her feelings, to vent and then to reflect on her feelings. Every time she goes through the entries she will re-visit her experiences with different situations and how she dealt with them. Homesickness can be overwhelming but writing about it can make the child stronger and at the same time provide a safe outlet to express her feelings without the fear of being judged.
Talking about homesickness with the educator:
Contrary to popular opinion, talking about one’s feelings doesn’t worsen the symptoms, it actually provides a release. It is not acknowledging one’s feelings that can exacerbate them. Educators could assure the homesick child of a sympathetic ear whenever she feels distressed or overwhelmed. It is important for the child to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of self-care. Schools can also arrange for counsellors who are trained in providing mental healthcare to those afflicted with severe homesickness. Sometimes it helps to discuss these feelings with another student. It’s very reassuring to know that there is someone else who they believe has gone through the same experience and can, therefore, understand what one is going through.
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