4.7 Looking Ahead
Elizabeth B. Pearce
Real-world current events demonstrate the importance of attachment for child development, as well as the impact that disrupted attachments can cause. Separation does not only impact an individual, it can have far-reaching consequences, changing how children learn to view the world and develop, interact with their communities, and react to stressful situations. They are at a higher risk for psychological disorders and physical health problems, and they are at greater risk of substance abuse as adults.
There are known strategies for supporting children who are experiencing trauma, such as the ones included in this resource from The Child Traumatic Stress Network. This document groups children into three age groups: preschool or younger, school-aged, and adolescents, and provides a general overview on how trauma might present within those three age groups, as well as suggestions for how support systems can best assist in helping children cope with trauma. These strategies will be useful as the world works to support the isolation and trauma that is evident both for intact families experiencing the pandemic, and for families that have endured separation as well during this time.
4.7.1 Want to Learn More?
- Read the Pew Research Parenting in America summary, for nuanced distinctions regarding family formation, where children are living, and current parenting concerns.
- Watch this seven-minute video “ Raising children for a second time, ‘grandfamilies’ struggle during the pandemic” to learn more about grandfamilies.
- An idea related to nature and nurture that has recently gained attention is the one of “orchid children and dandelion children.” Dr. Thomas Boyce has theorized that most children are “dandelions”: resilient and hardy, able to withstand some difficulties and continue to thrive. In contrast, some children are “orchids”; more delicate and sensitive. These children may also develop well, as long as their sensitive nature is acknowledged and a stable, responsive environment is provided. This kind of framing may help parents and caregivers see the importance of environmental and parenting choices.
- To read or listen to more about this emerging theory, click here for an article and recording by National Public Radio.
- This clip from a Crash Course video looks at both Harlow’s and Ainsworth’s work, as well as giving a quick summary of Diana Baumrind’s parenting styles. Review this if you would like more information about this research and theories.
- There are many resources which are aimed at educating parents and caregivers on how to build secure attachments, such as through the Child Welfare Information Gateway which compiles information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Children & Families, and the Children’s Bureau.
- For statistics about adoption and foster care visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Adoption and Foster Care Statistics website.
- To learn more about the social model of disability from the perspective of a person diagnosed with autism, listen to this TED Talk with Jac den Houting.
- Curious about pandemic parenting? Look at these two studies:
- Why is Mommy so Stressed Out? Estimating the Immediate Impact of the COVID-19 Shock on Parental Attachment to the Labor Market and the Double Bind of Mothers
- Baby steps: The gender division of childcare during the COVID19 pandemic
4.7.2 Licenses and Attributions for Looking Ahead
4.7.2.1 Open Content, Original
“Looking Ahead” by Elizabeth B. Pearce is licensed under CC BY 4.0.