it won't be easy: back to school and daycare

a letter endorsed by 1000 quebec physicians hints at how the children may react to this new normal, but “significant repercussions to the health and well-being of many children” doesn’t capture what children may actually be feeling as they rejoin the world. of course, they will be happy to see their friends, but what is going on underneath? how have they been affected by months of lockdown with only their stressed and frightened families for company? by the illness or death of family members? by unemployment, food insecurity, or eviction? by protests against racism and police violence?

according to heather c. hill of the harvard graduate school of education, it is likely that many will be suffering from trauma, a psychologically distressing event that creates intense fear and helplessness and undermines their sense of safety. in children, trauma is an important risk factor for challenging behaviour.

what is the effect of trauma on children?

if it’s difficult for adults to process the events of the last few months and the uncertainty of the future, imagine what it’s like for young children who don’t understand why we’re upset or why everything has changed. as a result, cautions barbara sorrels in her book reaching and teaching children exposed to trauma , there are some common effects of trauma that may arise. children may fear going to child care or school and suffer from separation anxiety — made worse by new restrictions that keep adults outside. behaviour may regress, causing toileting accidents, eating disturbances, trouble sleeping, resisting bedtime, or desire for a bottle. infants may be difficult to comfort and fight against being held, while toddlers may cling to their parents, throw temper tantrums, and behave aggressively. or withdraw. preschoolers may be hypervigilant and attuned to invisible threats, misinterpreting facial expressions, body language, sounds, and movements. they also may have trouble controlling strong emotions and be prone to crying or defiant or aggressive behaviour. and elementary school children may not function well in the classroom, having trouble learning, paying attention, managing impulses and behaviour, and forming relationships. in addition, language development and play skills may fall behind.

what can caregivers do to ease trauma?

give them the best possible protection against trauma’s effects, namely the comfort and support of a calm, loving, responsive caregiver, says dr. jack shonkoff , director of the center on the developing child at harvard university. he calls this the ‘serve and return interaction’ between children and their caregivers.