Over the past year, children have dealt with social distancing, Zoom school and family stress. The lucky ones suffered mainly boredom and loneliness; others faced illness, family poverty and hunger, loss of education, or unsafe conditions and abuse. Researchers have observed more depression, suicide and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in children. How will the year of Covid-19 affect their growth, development and futures? There’s reason for hope: Research on past disasters suggests many kids rebound.
Two leading child development experts will discuss the ongoing fallout and their visions for what’s ahead. How can parents understand if their kids’ behavior is “normal” when little is normal right now? Who’s most at risk, and how can they be protected? How can parents support their children — and themselves? If kids fall behind on developmental milestones or school, will they be able to catch up?
