Are We Truly Ready? Preparing Our Children For School With The ‘Behaviour Vaccine’
As Kerala’s schools prepare to reopen on June 2nd, Parents are rushing to buy new bags, fresh uniforms, and neatly bound notebooks. Children, though a little nervous, are curious about meeting new classmates, settling into new classrooms, and getting back into a routine. But beyond these visible preparations lies a deeper, often overlooked question: Are we mentally and emotionally preparing our children for the school year ahead?
In recent years, schools have become more than just centers of academic learning—they are social, emotional, and psychological ecosystems. The post-pandemic world, coupled with rapid digitalization, has exposed students to numerous challenges. From screen addiction, increased aggression, impulsive behavior, bullying, to alarming reports of substance abuse—even among schoolchildren—the landscape of childhood is changing.
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As parents, we often spend a lot of time and energy getting our children ready for school—buying new shoes, sharpening pencils, packing lunch boxes, and making sure everything looks perfect for the first day. These things are important, and they show how much we care. But in the middle of all this, we sometimes forget one very important part of school readiness—our children’s mental and emotional well-being. A child may be dressed neatly and carry the best school bag, but if they feel anxious, scared, or lonely, they may find it hard to enjoy school or do well in class. Mental health affects how children think, feel, behave, and cope with daily challenges. If we don’t help them feel strong and confident inside, even the best school supplies won’t be enough. So, along with books and uniforms, let’s also prepare our children to face pressure, make friends, and handle failure. Let’s talk to them, listen to their worries, and make sure they feel supported.
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Because a happy mind is just as important as a well-packed bag.
The Call for a ‘Behaviour Vaccine’
Are We Truly Ready? Preparing Our Children For School With The ‘Behaviour Vaccine’
The concept of a Behaviour Vaccine has come at the right time—when children are facing more challenges than ever before in their school life. Just like a medical vaccine protects us from diseases, the Behaviour Vaccine protects our children from emotional and mental health difficulties. It helps them become mentally and emotionally strong so they can face pressure, stress, peer problems, screen distractions, and many other challenges that school life brings today.
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But this is not something that can be given once and forgotten. It is not a pill or injection. It is a daily routine of healthy habits, life skills, positive thinking, and emotional support that we give our children at home. It includes small but meaningful steps—like setting a sleep schedule, encouraging physical activity, building self-confidence, teaching how to deal with failure, and helping them talk about their feelings.
When followed with care and consistency, the Behaviour Vaccine works like a shield. It builds a kind of mental immunity—so that children can bounce back from problems, manage their emotions, and grow into happy, balanced individuals.
Dear parents—are you giving your child a behaviour vaccine before sending them to school?
This is not about fear. It is about foresight.
Why Mental Health Matters Now More Than Ever
Mental health is no longer a topic we can afford to avoid or ignore. Studies from across Kerala have highlighted increasing trends of:
Screen dependency: Excessive use of phones and gaming disrupts sleep, attention, and social skills.
Aggression and impulsivity: Poor emotional regulation is showing up as sudden violence, both verbal and physical, especially among teenagers.
Anxiety and fear: Academic pressure, peer comparisons, and social media exposure are fueling self-doubt.
Substance use: Alarming rise in drug-related incidents reported in and around schools.
These are not just isolated incidents—they point to a growing public health concern. And the solution, while multi-faceted, starts from home.
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How we give Behaviour Vaccine?
The Behaviour Vaccine is a set of healthy practices and emotional tools that empower children to face school life confidently and happily. Here are its key components:
1. Positive Lifestyle Habits
Encourage daily physical activity—a morning walk or outdoor play improves focus and mood.
Maintain regular sleep routines—at least 8–9 hours of sleep is vital for mental and physical rejuvenation.
Promote hygiene and self-care—cleanliness boosts self-respect and confidence.
Provide brain-stimulating food—fresh fruits, nuts, whole grains, and adequate hydration.
Engage in creative hobbies—drawing, storytelling, music, and play build emotional expression.
Foster supportive friendships—talk to your children about empathy and respect in relationships.
2. Age-Appropriate Life Skills
Teach decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills suitable for their age.
Encourage responsibility—simple tasks like packing their bags or helping at home.
Introduce time management through fun routines and visual planners.
3. Stress Management Tools
Practice deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness with your child.
Help them name their feelings—“I feel nervous,” “I feel left out”—and respond with compassion.
Maintain an open line of communication—listen without judgment.
4. Digital Wellness
Create screen-time boundaries and tech-free family hours.
Discuss the difference between online and real-life behaviors.
Monitor online activity with trust, not surveillance.
We provide the Behaviour Vaccine to children by building a daily lifestyle that nurtures their mental and emotional well-being. This involves encouraging regular physical activity, ensuring consistent sleep routines, offering nutritious meals, limiting screen time, and allowing space for play, hobbies, and real-life friendships. But more than routines, it’s about creating a safe and emotionally supportive environment. Parents play the central role in implementation—they must lead by example, respond to their child’s emotions with patience, and promote healthy ways of handling stress. Set aside tech-free family time, hold open conversations, and use simple practices like deep breathing, storytelling, or positive reinforcement to guide children. Schools can support this effort, but the foundation must be laid at home, where children feel secure, valued, and understood. When implemented with consistency and care, the Behaviour Vaccine becomes a lifelong shield, helping children grow into emotionally strong, confident, and balanced individuals.
As the school bell rings this June, let it not just mark the beginning of another academic year. Let it also signal a renewed commitment to our children’s emotional well-being.
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Let us ensure that every child walks into their school not only with new shoes and books but also with Confidence, Coping skills, Compassion, Curiosity, Calmness. The best gift you can give your child this school year is not just education, but mental strength.
So, dear parents, are you ready to vaccinate your child with love, life skills, and emotional wisdom?
(Dr Raheemudheen PK is a licensed Clinical Psychologist working under the Department of Health Services, Government of Kerala. He is currently with the Government Mental Health Hospital, Thrissur. He has an experience of more than 10 years in the field of mental health and rehabilitation. He held the position of Co-Chair of UNESCO chair on Community-Based Disability Management and Rehabilitation Studies during 2020-2021.)
