Back to School : The Social Emotional and Spiritual Challenges of Covid Kids

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our world in profound ways, and perhaps no group has felt its effects more formatively than our youngest kiddos. Unlike previous generations, COVID babies and toddlers spent much of their early years in a world marked by social distancing, mask-wearing, and isolation. Their experiences were shaped by the realities of a global health crisis, which may have influenced their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Parents experienced the grief of missing moments of celebration and family gatherings. They experienced worry, distraction, and anxiety.  ​

Approximately 90% of a child's brain development occurs before they start kindergarten. This period is formational for cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and social skills. However, the pandemic disrupted early childhood education and developmental support. Pre-kindergarten programs were suspended or transitioned to virtual formats. Social restrictions limited the opportunities for young children to interact with peers and adults outside their immediate families. Social distancing and mask-wearing reduced their exposure to facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal cues essential for understanding social interactions.

Spiritual development is heavily intertwined with emotional and social growth and has been greatly affected by the pandemic. For many families, spiritual practices and community involvement are integral parts of life, providing a sense of belonging and purpose.  Spiritual development for children often involves learning about compassion, empathy, and connection to a larger community The isolation and disruption caused by the pandemic diminished opportunities for children to engage in communal spiritual activities, attend religious services of all kinds, or participate in family traditions that foster spiritual growth. 

As we move forward into the new school year and the new church year, it is so important to focus on the formational gaps created by the pandemic. This includes creating opportunities for children to engage in social, emotional, and spiritual activities in the community.  Our churches can be places that are centers of hopeful change, that invite community engagement, and a place for spiritual and social transformation. How can we come together as a whole community to enliven and inspire our support of children and parents who need a reintroduction to communal faith formation and individual spiritual growth?  Faith formation process, practices, justice-centered projects, and conversations that we can do together.   True inclusiveness will require us to not only include children and their parents in our community but to also be aware of how much they have lost and what needs they have.  

---