Addressing Pandemic Concerns

Addressing Pandemic Concerns

Part 1

As a parent, reading the headlines and excerpts from online sources about the potential impact of the pandemic on infant development would be concerning. The articles suggest that due to stress, isolation, limited exposure to novel experiences and vocabulary, and the use of face masks, pandemic infants are at risk for developmental delays. This information may cause parents who want the best for their children anxiety and concern, as they may question if they have done enough to support their child’s development during this challenging time.

As a parent, the statements regarding speech and language development stand out to me the most. The articles suggest that pandemic restrictions and precautions have limited infants’ exposure to new environments and experiences, leading to speech and language development delays. The use of face masks has also been highlighted as a potential barrier to speech development. It may impact a child’s ability to read facial expressions, which are crucial to understanding the meaning and intention behind words.

Additionally, the idea that the children of this pandemic may carry some scars forever if we do not act now can be alarming. This demonstrates the importance of parents actively participating in their child’s growth and development throughout this period and taking action to lessen the impact of any potential adverse consequences the pandemic may have. Overall, the information presented in the online sources can be overwhelming for parents. It is essential to approach this information critically and seek out additional sources better to understand the impact of the pandemic on infant development.

Part 2

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on the developmental trajectories of children. In particular, the pandemic’s macro-level stressors can exacerbate existing inequalities and impact children’s social-emotional development. The two articles reviewed in this response explore the impact of the pandemic on children’s development through different lenses, highlighting the importance of considering children’s social contexts and potential sources of stress and support.

Article 1: “Child Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Life Course Theory Lens” by Aprile D. Benner and Rashmita S. Mistry (2022)

Benner and Mistry’s (2022) article draws on the central tenets of life course theory to explore the impact of the pandemic on children’s developmental trajectories. They note that previous macro-level crises have significantly impacted children’s well-being and adjustment and argue that the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have similar effects. The authors emphasize the importance of considering the intertwined developmental trajectories, linked lives, and stratification systems that may buffer or exacerbate the pandemic’s negative impact (Benner & Mistry,2020). They also highlight the need for longitudinal research to capture the ongoing impact of the pandemic on children’s development over time.