{"id":1359,"date":"2020-09-14T16:47:03","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T20:47:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/caclapeer.org\/?p=1359"},"modified":"2020-09-14T16:47:03","modified_gmt":"2020-09-14T20:47:03","slug":"how-virtual-school-and-being-away-from-peers-can-affect-a-childs-emotional-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/caclapeer.org\/how-virtual-school-and-being-away-from-peers-can-affect-a-childs-emotional-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Virtual School and Being Away from Peers can Affect a Child\u2019s Emotional Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

COVID -19 brought a lot of changes to everyone’s everyday lives, especially children. Children were used to a schedule, which included going to school and seeing their friends every day. School is a very important part of a child’s socialization process. <\/span>The Atlantic<\/span><\/i> states that time with other children is an important part of growing up. They also state that the relationships with their peers are how kids learn about cooperation, trust, and loyalty, as well as how not to receive support solely from their parents. Taking social interaction away from children can cause loneliness. This can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Kids may be displaying extreme behaviors, which can include: sleeping all the time or not at all, increased irritability, and changes in weight. <\/span>The Atlantic<\/span><\/i> also mentions a case where a 15-year-old girl developed an eating disorder because of a series of stressful events, which included disappointment in a school election, fear of losing a family member, and a break-up with her boyfriend. Her normal channel of activities and socializing was no longer an option to handle stress, leading her to develop an eating disorder. Thankfully, the family was able to get her the counseling and medical support she needed in order to recover. An article from <\/span>Child Trends<\/span><\/i> talks about how to support a child’s emotional well-being during the pandemic. They state that every child’s reactions will vary and that adults can help by showing empathy and patience and calmly setting limits when needed. It is important to note that social distance is not social isolation. An article written by the <\/span>University of Buffalo<\/span><\/i> states that learning how to stay socially engaged in non-physical ways has suddenly become an essential survival skill because people are struggling with the loss of connection. Although socialization is tough right now, there are still ways to make sure your children connect with others. For example, utilizing technology to let children video chat with friends and family or getting together for outdoor activities with loved ones if safe to do so. Also<\/span>, Child Trends<\/span><\/i> mentions the importance of practicing the 3 R’s: Reassurance, Routines, and Regulation. In that order parents should:<\/span><\/p>\n