As they teach children, the parents also get an opportunity to develop these life skills. They also visit homes to provide counselling and support.Karma Chimi, ECCD Facilitator in Tsirang said,“We have seen some differences. Before the programme, parents were not able to understand their emotions. Now, they understand their feelings better.”
“After we started the programme, children began interacting more with their friends and parents. They have improved significantly in communication, playing and even something as simple as eating,” said Pema Zam, ECCD Facilitator, Tsirang.
An evaluation of the pilot programme found reduced feelings of depression and anxiety, along with improved self-esteem among caregivers.
“When they ask about my troubles and listen to me, I can open up more. What they share helps me understand better, see things from a wider perspective, and feel a little better,” said Dechen Wangmo, a parent in Tsirang.
Another parent, Sarswati Chhetri said, “When the facilitator comes, we don’t just learn during her visits. We carry those lessons home. Even while cooking or doing other chores, we now know how to better care for and engage with our child.”
“I don’t have a vehicle, and taking my child to the centre takes a lot of time. I have to stay with my child there, while I also have responsibilities at home. That is why home visits make a big difference for us,” said Buddhi Man Tamang, also a parent.
According to a psychiatrist with the national referral hospital, children, especially those under two years old, develop attachments that can influence their mental health.
“If the mother, say, for example, is suffering from depression, she’s not able to take care of herself, let alone the child. And because of the behavioural or psychological issues related to her mental illness, this can actually influence the attachment between the children, where it will not be secure. It will be an insecure attachment, and this child will not be able to build that resilience mentally,” said Dr Ngawang Samten, a psychiatrist at JDWNRH.
