Children's emotional wellbeing during spring 2020 COVID-19 restrictions: a qualitative study with parents of young children in England

Abstract Background During COVID-19 restrictions in England in spring 2020, early years settings for young children were closed to all but a small percentage of families, social contact was limited and play areas in parks were closed. Concerns were raised about the impact of these restrictions on young children’s emotional wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ perceptions of young children’s emotional wellbeing during these COVID-19 restrictions. Methods We interviewed 20 parents of children 3-4 years due to begin school in England in September 2020. Interviews were conducted via telephone (n=18) and video call (n=2), audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews focused on childcare arrangements, children’s behaviour and transition to school. A sample of transcripts were coded line-by-line to create a coding framework, which was subsequently applied to the remaining transcripts. Coded data were then analysed using a nurture lens to develop themes and further understanding. Results Participants were predominantly mothers (n=16), White British (n=10), and educated to degree level (n=13), with half the sample living in the highest deprivation quintile in England (n=10). Five were single parents. Three themes developed from nurturing concepts were identified: creating age-appropriate explanations; understanding children’s behaviour; concerns about school transition. Parents recognised their children’s emotional wellbeing was impacted but attempted to support their young children whilst looking ahead to their transition to primary school. Conclusions This study is one of the first to examine in-depth the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on young children’s emotional wellbeing. The longer-term impacts are not yet understood. Although young children may be unable to understand in detail what the virus is, they undoubtedly experience the disruption it brings to their lives. The wellbeing of families and children needs to be nurtured as they recover from the effects of the pandemic to allow them to thrive. Key messages COVID-19 restrictions are predicted to have a negative impact on young children. We interviewed parents of children in England due to begin primary school to understand their experiences of COVID-19 restrictions. Nurture concepts helped us understand the challenges families faced. Key themes identified were: creating age-appropriate explanations; understanding children’s behaviour; and concerns about school transition. We suggest a nurturing approach to recovery to best support children and their families.