The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered family dynamics, significantly impacting parent-child interactions. Recent research by Stienwandt et al. (2022) in the Child & Youth Care Forum explores the family factors associated with hands-on play and screen time during the pandemic. This blog post aims to help practitioners implement these findings to improve their skills and encourage further research.
Key Findings from the Study
The study utilized Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems framework to examine how different levels of environmental influence affected parent-child interactions. The primary findings include:
- Parents with higher anxiety levels engaged more in hands-on play with their children, especially in families with unmet childcare needs.
- Lower parental education and higher parenting stress were associated with reduced hands-on play.
- Screen time increased in families experiencing higher levels of parenting stress and financial strain.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage these insights to support families more effectively during and after the pandemic. Here are some actionable strategies:
- Address Parental Anxiety: Implement cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other mental health interventions to help parents manage anxiety, which can indirectly improve the quality of parent-child interactions.
- Promote High-Quality Play: Encourage parents to engage in developmentally supportive hands-on play activities. Resources and workshops on creative play can be beneficial.
- Manage Screen Time: Provide guidelines for high-quality screen time, such as educational apps and virtual social interactions, to mitigate the potential negative impacts of increased screen use.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of these changes on child development. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by participating in and supporting ongoing research efforts.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Family Factors Associated with Hands-On Play and Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
