The Importance of Relationships to Support Children and Families During COVID-19

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new type of disaster characterized by “indefinite uncertainty.” The danger is invisible leading to increased fear, anxiety, and difficulties keeping children and families safe. Children have been affected by the changes in routines – having to stay at home, social distancing, virtual schooling, parents working from home, not being able to be with parents who are essential workers, missing friends and grandparents, and fears of illness. Parents have to find ways to talk to children about staying safe with COVID. Many Black families have suffered inequities in care with more illness and death. Uncertainties about duration and containment brings increased attention to the psychological needs of children and effects on cognitive, social, and emotional development. This symposium considers different aspects of the impact of COVID-19 on children. The goal of the Sesame Street study is to listen to the voices and experiences of children, ages 6 to 11 during COVID-19. The perinatal study focuses on women’s concerns about COVID and the possible impact on their unborn child or baby including attachment and development. The teacher surveys, done before schools reopened, provide a lens on worries about COVID and reopening for students of different ages and for themselves. Finally, the development of regional coalitions of multidisciplinary individuals and stakeholders is presented as a means of sharing concerns and developing ideas for supporting children and families. All presenters will consider ways to foster resilience recognizing the importance of having secure relationships with parents, caregivers, schools, and community resources.

Sub Unit

• Solicited Content: COVID-19 Related

Chair

• Joy D Osofsky, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

Discussant

• Juliet M Vogel, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Individual Presentations

• The Kids Are All Right…But Why? Children and their Parents in the Age of COVID - Presenting Author: Courtney Wong Chin, Sesame Workshop; Non-Presenting Author: Rosemarie Truglio, Sesame Workshop; Non-Presenting Author: Shalom M Fisch, MediaKidz

• Perinatal Mental Health and COVID-19: Evidence from the Mother-Infant Support Program - Presenting Author: Joy D Osofsky, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; Non-Presenting Author: Howard Osofsky, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans; Non-Presenting Author: Margaret A. Fields-Olivieri, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Non-Presenting Author: Andrew Frazer; Non-Presenting Author: Michele Many, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; Non-Presenting Author: Marion Selby, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans; Non-Presenting Author: Heidi Leffler, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

• Covid-19 Survey for Pre-K To 12 Teachers and School Staff - Presenting Author: Eileen McKeating, Montclair State University; Non-Presenting Author: Andrew Frazer

• Building a Responsive Regional Coalition of Multidisciplinary Partners During COVID-19 - Presenting Author: Gerard Costa, Montclair State University