Children after lockdown

[OnTheMoors]

How will this affect our children? of all ages, from toddlers to teens ? lack of socialisation, not enough exercise, falling behind in education etc

Barely. It will barely affect the vast majority of children. My son is happy, healthy, we get our 10,000 steps a day, he is eating well, we chat and read stories and watch TV and bake cakes. Sometimes (like today) we eat lunch in our pyjamas.

Children aren't falling behind, because everyone is in the same boat. They haven't suddenly declared the end of state schooling. And a couple of months spending time with their families instead of at school isn't going to massively hinder anyone's social development.

There, are, of course, children who are much more vulnerable because of this, but I don't think that group of people is who you are talking about.

It will have a really negative impact on children who live in abusive households. I think most children will be fine though, no one will be significantly behind as everyone is in the same boat.

My 12yo daughter is an only child. She's so lonely. She's keeping up with her school work while me and DH WFH. She's keeping in touch with friends via phone in the evenings. Many were doing lots together when we can - games, exercise, reading, tv, joe wicks etc.
But there's no denying that she's going to struggle socially when school life returns, she was always shy and introverted. She didn't make friends easily when she moved to secondary.

But I'm confident that her school will continue with the brilliant attitude they've been demonstrating through lockdown and will do all they can to help the children readjust. They'll offer support to those who've not kept up with school work. They'll offer pastoral support to those who've been particularly affected.
At home, we'll remind ourselves to be grateful for what we have and not go back to having our noses in our phones whenever we have spare time. We'll hopefully continue with a less frantic pace of life and remember to enjoy each other.

No, I honestly believe well loved, safe children are extremely resilient and adaptable. The truth is most of them will only have vague memories of it.

It will be children from the poorest families that will suffer where parenting for whatever reason is a struggle. I feel so sad for these children and families.

Mine are fine I have 4, 10 down to 3 and we are happy enough doing a couple of hours school work a day. Nice walk. Play in the garden. Watching TV and using the ipad. We are so so lucky to have all this. Dh and I work around each other so one is always here.
Kids who have a bit of support at home and are generally looked agter will be fine and some with thrive on being a bit bored an inventing games.
Those who struggle at home will continue to and the outcome for those likely to be much worse.