Factors Affecting Caregiver and Child Play Experiences During COVID-19 Initial Social Distancing Efforts

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Topics Affecting Early Childhood Teachers, Children, and Families

Abstract

Our previous study revealed caregivers’ (i.e., parents) daily play with children statistically significantly increased while social distancing due to COVID-19. This study examines caregivers' perspectives of the ease with which they felt they could play with children during that time. In our social-media questionnaire, 705 participants rated how easy it was to play, and 508 participants provided explanations for their ratings. Open-coding analysis of those explanations revealed major themes of factors affecting caregivers’ perceptions of the ease of play with children: Work/Professional Role, Mental/Physical Health, Time, Access to Resources, and Parenting Factors. Subsequently, we provide recommendations for healthcare, education, social work, employers, and other community agencies on how to better facilitate play between caregivers and children, providing benefits for everyone.

Authors

• Erin M Casey, University of Oklahoma

• Courtney Beers Dewhirst, University of Oklahoma

• Shelly Unsicker-Durham, The University of Oklahoma

• Gul Nahar, The University of Oklahoma