Can the Pandemic Still Be Affecting My Child?

I recently got a question from a concerned parent:
“But he was so young. Can the shutdown still be affecting him?”
My answer? A loud, clear, YES. The impact of the pandemic continues to affect children in ways we may not always realize. Here’s what I’m seeing:

Emotional Disregulation

One of the most common reasons parents seek my help is emotional disregulation. I often hear things like:

• He goes from 0 to 60 in seconds.
• I never know what will set her off—it could be the smallest thing.

These sudden emotional shifts are more than just tantrums—they’re a sign that a child is struggling to cope with their emotions.

Social Anxiety

The pandemic has also fueled a rise in social anxiety. This can show up in many ways, including:

• Extreme shyness
• Difficulty making and maintaining friendships
• Perfectionism
• A tendency to prefer playing alone

Many children who were socially isolated during the shutdown are now struggling to reconnect with peers.

Inflexibility

Another challenge I’m seeing is inflexibility. Kids who have difficulty adapting to new situations. They can have a difficult time playing with other children because they won’t accept other ideas on how or what to play. This can make it hard to make and maintain friendships leaving them m feeling disconnected or frustrated.

Why Does It Matter?

Social skills are essential—they affect almost everything. Did you know that strong social skills in Kindergaden are a stronger predictor of academic success than preceding or early math skills. Social skills are not just about being polite. They include:

• The ability to follow directions and simple routines
• The ability to work together with peers toward a common goal
• The ability to express needs and ask for help in an appropriate way
• The ability to put others’ needs before your own
• The ability to manage strong feelings without impacting others

These are skills we rely on daily, whether at school, work, or home. The critical years for developing these skills are between 0-5. If your child didn’t get the opportunity to develop these skills due to the pandemic, it’s not too late. The sooner we address these needs, the better the long-term outcome.

Take Action Now

If you’re noticing these challenges in your child, it’s important to seek support. The earlier we intervene, the better equipped your child will be to navigate social interactions and manage emotions. Play therapy and other forms of support can help your child develop the skills they need to thrive.