After months of various forms of quarantine and social distancing, families are stressed to the max
Those with babies and toddlers may be hurting the most due to younger children’s need for intensive caregiving. Moms, dads, and other caregivers are being asked to hold their fingers in the dam, and it’s threatening to burst.
According to a recently released report in the journal Pediatrics, “COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on the well-being of parents and children. As policymakers consider additional measures to mitigate the health and economic effects of the pandemic, they should consider the unique needs of families with children.” Since March, the authors write, “27% of parents reported worsening mental health for themselves, and 14% reported worsening behavioral health for their children.” What can practitioners do to help?
Caregivers are being asked to pick up the slack—and there is a lot of slack—as the coronavirus pandemic continues. They can’t keep doing it all, so let’s do our best to support them and get them connected with the necessary resources.
Sarah MacLaughlin, LSW, contributed to this post. Sarah is a social worker, parent educator, and author of the award-winning, bestselling book, What Not to Say: Tools for Talking with Young Children.
References
Patrick S.W., Henkhaus L.E., Zickafoose J.S., et al. (2020, July). Well-being of parents and children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey. Pediatrics. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020- 016824
ZERO TO THREE. (2020). State of Babies Yearbook. Retrieved from: https://stateofbabies.org/
Rahil Briggs, PsyD, is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Online: HealthySteps , Twitter
Note: Pediatrician Tips is strictly a news and information website about pediatrics. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician, physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition for any person. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not always those of Pediatrician Tips and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pediatrics and pediatricians.
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