Covid-19 threw us all for a loop but it’s the impact the pandemic has had on our children that is most concerning. Let’s take a look at the effects Covid has had on our children.

The Pros and Cons of the CDC Covid-19 Guidelines

There are some benefits to the requirement of masks and other CDC guidelines like staying 6 feet apart. The flu season was nearly nonexistent this year, and we saw a decrease in other contagious illnesses among children as well. Of course, washing your hands should be important to you every day, not just during the pandemic. On that note, children have certainly learned how to wash their hands thoroughly and they’ve somehow managed to make friends from 6 feet away. 

On the flip side, many children struggled with transitioning into a homeschooled environment when most schools across the country implemented distance learning during the lockdown and beyond. Some are even enrolling in summer school to get the social interaction and in-person teaching they missed during virtual learning. Children with special needs were particularly impacted. Depression and anxiety have increased among school-aged children over the last year, some cases are likely caused by the isolation of the pandemic. Isolation from their peers isn’t all that children have faced. Many have had to wave to a parent from a window because their parent is a healthcare worker helping Covid patients. Many children celebrated birthdays with only immediate family in their home. No friends or extended family to join celebrations. 

However, many families found ways to combat the isolation during holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Drive-thru birthday parties, baby showers, gender reveal, and even weddings became a thing as families dug into their creative juices to make life fun in the midst of a pandemic.

In addition to isolation, many children have felt the effects of their family’s sudden financial problems due to job loss and other issues caused by the pandemic. Suddenly, there’s no money for Jack’s karate lessons or Claire’s gymnastics class. When children undergo sudden dramatic changes in their lives, they often become anxious and distrusting, as well as depressed. 

Isolation and mental health problems weren’t the only health concern to rise during the pandemic. A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology revealed that near-sightedness, or myopia, increased 1.4% to 3% in Chinese children between the ages of six and eight years old.

Do you feel your child could be suffering from the effects of covid-19 even if they never had the virus? Your medical provider is the best place to start getting help. EliteCare accepts walk-ins seven days a week so you can bring your child in at your convenience. You can also book an appointment at 662-348-3342 to cut down your wait time.