Introduction
Coronavirus is an airborne virus that presumably originated from Wuhan, China, and is responsible for the most recent COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, parents and kids alike were forced to cut down on their social interactions and spend most of their time at home, which had a significant effect on the mental well-being of the parents and the development of the children. This paper will consider building resilience and the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had and continues to have on children’s development.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Children’s Development
To begin with, the mental state of the majority of parents has been significantly worsened not only by the pandemic itself but also by the potential loss of jobs, and loved ones, or a general sense of dread and despair. Centre of the Developing Child has published a guide detailing how parents can cope and adapt to the new situation by building resilience (Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Outbreak, n.d.). Among other things, the guide suggests balancing the negative and positive outcomes of the situation using the fulcrum point and emphasizes the importance of responsive relationships for both parents and children. Furthermore, Pfitzer discusses in her podcast the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the child’s development and states that the ability of parents to take necessary care of their children was also worsened by their mental state (2020). The author reaches similar conclusions highlighting the importance of finding time not only for daily interaction with your child but to dedicate time to taking care of oneself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theory of thinking lens is employed to facilitate further discussion. First, it is paramount to identify potential social reforms and programs that would allow parents to take more time to spend on the development of their children, considering the mental state of most parents during the pandemic. Secondly, as children do not have an opportunity to spend time at school or outside with friends, there need to be some tools in place to move communication with other kids online. Kids must continue practicing game routines to remain in a normal mental state and continue on the standard path of development.
References
How to help families and staff build resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak. (n.d.). Center on the Developing Child. Web.
Pfitzer, S. (Podcast Host). (2020). COVID-19 special edition: A different world (No. 5) [Audio podcast episode]. In The Brain Architects. Center on the Developing Child. Web.