This March 2025 marks five years since our world completely shut down in a nationwide pandemic. As we transitioned from classrooms to computers, hugs to masks, and conversations to weekly Zoom catch-ups, we also witnessed a profound impact on children’s development—socially, emotionally, and academically.
The pandemic affected each child uniquely based on their personality, family situation, and specific experiences. This guide offers general patterns, but your child may show different strengths and challenges. What matters most is your support and understanding as a guardian and caretaker.
Growing up in the Pandemic
For many kids, these formative years were shaped by isolation, disrupted routines, and new ways of learning. Some thrived in flexible environments, while others faced challenges in social skills, emotional regulation, and academic progress.
How the Pandemic May Have Affected Your Child
Child's Age Now (2025)
Child's Age in March 2020
Developmental Task During COVID
What You Might Notice Now
Ideas for Support
5 years
Newborn/
Infant
Developing trust that the world is safe and caregivers will meet needs
- More cautious with strangers
- Anxious in new situations
- More clingy than expected
- Keep routines consistent
- Introduce new people gradually
- Provide extra reassurance
- Allow safe exploration
6-7 years
1-2 years
Learning independence and developing early movement control
- Struggles with separation
- Hesitant to try things independently
- Weaker hand strength for writing
- Less comfort with physical activities
- Offer simple choices daily
- Celebrate independence
- Provide outdoor play opportunities
- Include finger games and playdough
8-9 years
3-4 years
Learning to take initiative, be creative, and develop crucial motor skills
- Unsure in social situations
- Difficulties with fine motor activities like scissors, buttons, zippers
- Less developed handwriting
- Coordination challenges
- Encourage creative projects
- Set up small playdates
- Provide daily fine motor activities
- Practice playground skills regularly
10-11 years
5-6 years
Starting to build skills and feel capable; developing academic foundations
- Gaps in early academic skills
- Less developed handwriting
- Frustration with schoolwork
- Avoidance of challenging physical activities
- Connect with teachers about skills
- Make learning hands-on and fun
- Encourage non-competitive activities
- Create opportunities for success
12-13 years
7-8 years
Developing confidence in abilities and academic competence
- Uneven academic skills
- Lower confidence in group settings
- Sensitivity to criticism
- Gaps in foundational knowledge
- Find activities where they can excel
- Maintain school communication
- Normalizing learning differences
- Provide positive feedback
14-15 years
9-10 years
Beginning to figure out pre-teen identity
- Smaller social circles
- Peer relationship challenges
- Less experience with group dynamics
- Academic confidence issues
- Support healthy friendships
- Encourage varied interests
- Listen without judgment
- Connect with mentors if possible
16-17 years
11-12 years
Exploring identity and place in the world
- Less social confidence
- Stronger online than in-person skills
- Future anxiety
- Less experience with independence
- Balance online/offline activities
- Create responsibility opportunities
- Discuss future plans openly
- Gradually increase independence
18-20 years
13-15 years
Solidifying a sense of self and future direction
- Feeling of missed experiences
- Less prepared for independence
- Uncertainty about next steps
- Respect growing autonomy
- Share real-world responsibilities
- Support gradual independence
- Help process pandemic experiences
The Silver Lining
Despite the challenges, many children developed new strengths during the pandemic:
- Adaptability – Children showed remarkable flexibility in adjusting to changing circumstances
- Technology skills – Many gained digital literacy earlier than previous generations
- Family connection – Some families developed deeper bonds through increased time together
- Resilience – Weathering the pandemic has built coping skills that will serve children throughout life
- Appreciation for social connection – Many children developed a deeper understanding of the value of relationships
When to Seek Help
Consider professional support if you notice:
- Persistent sadness or withdrawal
- Significant behavior changes that don’t improve
- Developmental delays that seem to be widening
- Extreme anxiety about social situations or school
Seattle Play Therapy offers various services such as Play Therapy, Therapy Groups, and Parent Support and Coaching to support children and parents through these transitional times. Visit our Service Offerings page for more information.
Moving Forward
Children are naturally resilient. With your loving support, they can develop the skills they need for success—even if their developmental timeline looks different than expected. Remember that every child is unique, with their own pattern of strengths and challenges.
The most important thing you can offer is a stable, loving relationship and responsiveness to your child’s individual needs.
This guide is meant as a general resource and not as a substitute for professional advice.
