Just feeling sad...

[BetsyBoo100]

For my three year old. Is anyone concerned about the long term effect on children's emotional well-being? Went for a walk with my in laws yesterday. 3 Y O was fab, didn't get too close but accidentally brushed past MiL and she took a sharp intake of breath with a nervous laughter. She was clearly alarmed. Grandparents both sidesare understandably very cautious especially as back at nursery. Just get concerned about how this is going to make my child feel if this goes on and on. It's so hard that they can't cuddle their grandparents but can be cuddled by their nursery key worker. Sorry I know I am being highly unreasonable to feel this way, just looking for a handhold.

Sorry I know I am being highly unreasonable to feel this way

I think you are not being unreasonable at all. It is concerning for the children. I worry about it too.

You are not unreasonable at all. I have a three years old and I feel for him too. He misses his friends and every time I take him to the park and sees children playing he'd like to join in. He doesn't have brothers or sisters and it breaks my heart he feels so lonely. I play with him, try to keep him entertained but it's not the same. Plus I feel like I'm going crazy at times. It's very hard!

Yes I feel for you and I totally understand. Especially at this age they don't understand social distancing and why they need to stay away from the people he loves.

DS is not back in nursery as his nursery hasn't opened yet but the moment it opens he'll be going.

It's so tough! Can't believe this is the world we live in nowadays 💐

Many children grow up in war or poverty , and they can grow into wonderful happy people.

They are likely to see great joy when things go back to normal sometime

Thanks critters that's true

I think it's concerning in terms of child development - attachment and how children make secure connections allowing them to explore and discover, feel secure etc

Orange that worries me too. Hugely. Yes they adapt quickly to situations but they are adapting to something that really isn't normal :(. I know it's necessary, I'm just having a moment to wallow for our children

I can't believe how brainwashed society has become. Grandparents shuddering if their grandchild brushes past them because their grandchild could kill them by doing so! What the fuck!!!! Jesus fucking wept.

Remember the most important attachment is to the main carer though

Thank you orange that's really kind and very true.

Thank you too for your message what's happening, sorry you are struggling too.

I am shielding. We have all shielded together and my kids get cuddles. I am quite concerned how to manage if they go back to school and then I have to self isolate.

I think possibly if some relatives are not relaxed and happy with the DC it might be best to give it a miss with them for a while, if they are behaving strangely with them as it might be confusing for them. Maybe over a screen might be easier (or not!)

I think at that age children are quite resilient and it’s really unlikely to have any significant long teen effect, especially if you can give them lots of attention and reassurance. In time this will all be forgotten by very young children. I think it’s more likely to have a much bigger impact on older children and teenagers, who are missing out on education and social interaction and who will always remember this strange and unsettling period in their lives when they should be having fun and being carefree.

Yes "fading* that's true. At least young children and babies are happy in their parents company all of the time.

We have allowed our 3 and a half year old only child to play with other children since mid-May. If other parents are happy to let your child play with their child then go for it. Be respectful. Adults keep the distance.

Keep your son away from your mother in law. Her fears may be understandable but it's not good for your child to see a family member physically recoil at his touch.

War and poverty do not stop children learning how to communicate and form relationships.

Our children's development, wellbeing and their future is the most important thing. Do what you can.

Best wishes.

My dd is only just 3 and isn't very tactile with grandparents, she doesn't like kisses and doesn't give kisses, never has, I don't know why but she was slowly coming around to giving grandparents a hug when saying goodbye (not forced by us, she would randomly just do it) but since coronavirus now we have to tell her no, how confusing is that?

I feel so sad my 2.5 year old is missing out on these things, it breaks my heart. I remember sobbing when one of her classes was cancelled right at the beginning of this and saying it felt like we were punishing her by taking away everything she enjoyed - classes, nursery etc. I feel emotional thinking about how I felt back then. It’s become normal life now, having only me and husband being the only things/people in life to bring her joy, which we do. But I so wish I could offer her more as well (actually during lockdown I have given birth and so have given her the gift of a newborn, but she doesn’t provide much company yet!)
In the last week we’ve seen friends in the garden and a park and I havent forced social distancing on her, I can’t. She’s a sensitive soul and I don’t want her confused by these messages. I hope we can carry on like this and there’s no further lockdown.
The next dilema is whether to send her back to nursery. I desperately want her to start developing socially again, but I can’t bear for her to be exposed to the precautionary measures (and also worry for her and newborn’s health)