Photo: Nik Anderson. Creative Commons.

COVID-19

How parenting style can support children’s development during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had many negative impacts for children – parents’ loss of jobs and income, lockdowns in homes with adults who were sometimes abusive and neglectful, separation from school and early care and education, distance from peers, co-parenting disruption and disruption of monitoring by health and other professionals. Lack of education had a particularly harmful impact on refugee children during the pandemic. Discover our articles on parenting challenges and solutions during COVID-19.

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But the pandemic also had silver linings. For example, fathers were at home more and have been more available to their children, allowing them to hone play skills that support their children’s development.

Child development researchers were able to provide advice to parents seeking how to navigate the pandemic. Reading together benefits children and helps parents become more confident carers. Encouraging curiosity in children also helps, through asking and answering questions. Building children’s self-esteem is a priority.

In the last two years, researchers have recommended playing with children as an opportunity for parents to promote child development. Play activities can offer a unique learning context for the development of different cognitive domains. In supporting children’s learning at home, play with family members can also support the mental health of parents.

Much attention has been given to how children learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stressed parents are less able to support their children’s home learning. Good family-school communication emerged as a key recommendation for supporting home learning. Children thrive when parents cope well and their teachers are supportive.

The Child and Family Blog team collated top tips for parents on supporting children’s learning at home from a range of child development specialists.

COVID-19

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