ABSTRACT
Background During COVID-19 restrictions in England in spring 2020, early years settings for young children were closed to all but a small percentage of families, social contact was limited and play areas in parks were closed. Concerns were raised about the impact of these restrictions on young children’s emotional wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ perceptions of young children’s emotional wellbeing during these COVID-19 restrictions. Methods We interviewed 20 parents of children 3-4 years due to begin school in England in September 2020. Interviews were conducted via telephone (n=18) and video call (n=2), audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews focused on childcare arrangements, children’s behaviour and transition to school. A sample of transcripts were coded line-by-line to create a coding framework, which was subsequently applied to the remaining transcripts. Coded data were then analysed using a nurture lens to develop themes and further understanding. Results Participants were predominantly mothers (n=16), White British (n=10), and educated to degree level (n=13), with half the sample living in the highest deprivation quintile in England (n=10). Five were single parents. Three themes developed from nurturing concepts were identified: creating age-appropriate explanations; understanding children’s behaviour; concerns about school transition. Parents recognised their children’s emotional wellbeing was impacted but attempted to support their young children whilst looking ahead to their transition to primary school. Conclusions This study is one of the first to examine in-depth the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on young children’s emotional wellbeing. The longer-term impacts are not yet understood. Although young children may be unable to understand in detail what the virus is, they undoubtedly experience the disruption it brings to their lives. The wellbeing of families and children needs to be nurtured as they recover from the effects of the pandemic to allow them to thrive. Key messages COVID-19 restrictions are predicted to have a negative impact on young children. We interviewed parents of children in England due to begin primary school to understand their experiences of COVID-19 restrictions. Nurture concepts helped us understand the challenges families faced. Key themes identified were: creating age-appropriate explanations; understanding children’s behaviour; and concerns about school transition. We suggest a nurturing approach to recovery to best support children and their families.
Subject(s)
COVID-19ABSTRACT
Background In spring 2020, the COVID-19 lockdown placed unprecedented restrictions on the behaviour and movements of the UK population. Citizens were ordered to 'stay at home', only allowed to leave their houses to buy essential supplies, attend medical appointments or exercise once a day. This qualitative study explored how 'lockdown' and its subsequent easing changed young children's everyday activities, eating and sleep habits to gain insight into the impact for health and wellbeing. Methods In summer 2020 we interviewed 20 parents of children due to start school in September 2020 (aged 3-5 years) by phone or video call to explore their experiences of lockdown and its easing. We recruited participants through nurseries and local Facebook community groups in the South West and West Midlands of England. Half the sample were from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds and half lived in the most deprived quintile. We analysed interviews using thematic analysis. Results Children's activity, screen time, eating, and sleep routines had some level of disruption. Parents reported children ate more snacks during lockdown, but also spent more time preparing meals and eating as a family. Most parents reported a reduction in their children's physical activity and an increase in screen time, which some linked to difficulties in getting their child to sleep. Parents sometimes expressed guilt about changes in activity, screen time and snacking over lockdown. Most felt these changes would be temporary with no lasting impact, though others worried about re-establishing healthy routines. Conclusions The spring COVID-19 lockdown negatively impacted on pre-school children's eating, activity and sleep routines. While some positive changes were reported, there were wide-spread reports of lack of routines, habits and boundaries which, at least in the short-term, were likely to have been detrimental for child health and development. Guidance and support for families during times of COVID-19 restrictions could be valuable to help them maintain healthy activity, eating, screen-time and sleeping routines to protect child health and ensure unhealthy habits are not adopted.