I just dropped my daughter off at school and I got this overwhelming feeling of “what the hell is going on?” I put the little mask on her beautiful little face and I really can’t get over how this is her normal.
The other day she asked me how long everyone is going to be sick for. She is almost 4 now and needs to be around more people than just me and my husband. She is begging for social interaction and I can’t give that to her. Such a terrible feeling. All I can say is that I hope this passes soon, and her next normal is better than this one.
As a mom you want your kids to have more than you had. That is the goal right? What I wouldn’t give for her to have a fraction of what I had at her age. All she wants to do is run up to every kid she sees and play with them. Telling her she can’t just feel wrong on so many levels. So my question is, is this going to damage her socially in the long run? Will she be forever closed off because of this never ending social distancing.
How Social Distancing Effects Children
Preschool
Preschool is the start of all socialization. This is where they first learn how to play and interact with children. Without this, children may have a hard time socializing in the future.
Grade School
Grade school kids are still developing social skills with their interactions with other kids at school. Screen Time with a schedule can help compensate for the lack of in person schooling.
Young Teens
This age group has a higher chance of battling with depression and anxiety. Proms and dances being canceled, along with graduations. These milestones are what we all look forward to and reach for. Having these moments taken away is very difficult.
Tips for Parents
- Communication- Let your kids know that it is ok to be upset and frustrated, and that these are all normal feelings.
- Stay Connected- Whether it is through zoom, extra phone time, or however you want to stay in touch. Make sure you do. Everyone is going through this together. It is important that they know that.
- New Activities- You have to keep it fresh. Without new stimuli children get bored and act out. At least mine does! My new favorite thing to do with my daughter is taking her into our music room, away from all the screens. Then we get the legos out. This keeps her and I happy for hours on end. Seriously…Legos are amazing:)
When I feel overwhelmed I just remember one thing. Kids are so adaptable. Way more than us. This thought alone makes me feel a million times better.
https://www.verywellfamily.com/impact-of-isolation-on-childhood-development-4843122
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