Question

In view of the pandemic and with modern technology, how can you maintain social interaction?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Play is an essential part of children's physical and social development. Closures of parks and playgrounds were not uncommon throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The world becomes more restricted each day. The monkey bars and swings in my neighborhood usually are buzzing with children laughing and playing; now, they have yellow caution tape wrapped around them and signs posted “playground closed.” It just seems unconscionable to see an ordinary, innocent playground condemed as if it were a safety hazard.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020a) recommended that caregivers avoid setting up playdates for children to practice social distancing from other children. Instead, caregivers were encouraged to set up supervised phone calls and video chats for their child and their friends. The American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] (2020a) suggested that children play outside while maintaining social distancing so that they had time to move and explore nature. Children who play outdoors experience better motor development and focus, lower obesity rates, reduced attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, less anger, aggression, stress, and depression AAP (2020a).

On the positive side, families seem to be spending more time together, walking, biking, and completing school work. Where time is available, caregivers are encouraged to socialize with children through playing games, arts and crafts, and listening to music. Caregivers can also share time with children by co-viewing television programs or using educational apps. “Co-engagement with media and ‘co-viewing’ is optimal for learning and spurring conversations (and thereby helping to develop vocabulary and more in-depth understanding) around new content” (Takeuchi & Stevens, 2011, p. 10). Positive interaction that occurs between caregivers and children is healthy. The fast-paced lifestyle that two working caregiver families are accustomed to seems to have slowed down if only for a short while.