Children who spent their formative years (ages 0-4) during the pandemic often lack many skills typically seen in children starting school in the USA, according to interviews conducted by the New York Times with over 24 pediatricians, teachers, and early childhood specialists.
Consequently, now that these children are starting school, they are more likely to struggle with tasks such as communicating their needs, recognizing shapes and letters, managing their emotions, resolving conflicts with peers, or even performing basic skills like holding a pencil or being toilet trained.
According to the New York Times, children from lower-income families are more likely to experience frequent issues.
Although children traditionally spend a lot of time at home before starting school, the lockdown appears to have affected them, as the early years of life are crucial for brain development. Researchers say various aspects of the pandemic, such as parental anxiety, lack of socialization, fewer children attending daycare centers, increased screen time, and less playtime, have significantly impacted them.
However, researchers remain optimistic that children will “catch up” on skills as they are at an age where their brain continues to develop.
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