Consequences of Stress on Children’s Development-Isolation



After being part of virtual learning, of an early childhood team over the past two weeks, posting and communicating with our young students virtually, My heart led me to choose and focus on the aspect of isolation, as a stressor factor on the development of young children. I experienced isolation through several encounters. As a young child who sat in a bomb shelter, as a young mom that spent hours sitting with a young child in a safe room, while wearing a mask, and currently, as an early education professional, that works closely with young students and their parents, virtually.

Socialization, and interacting with each other, is essential for young children’s language development, attachment, and social-emotional growth, Berger, K. S, (2018). As the children grow, through their social interaction they practice problem-solving skills, experiment with different roles, and practice the world around them, Berger, K. S, (2018). What happens when children are finding themselves isolated, for a long period of time without mental support from a loved one?

According to, No Isolation, (2017), isolation alters the healthy developmental domains of a child, even through adulthood. In addition, isolation affects the emotional state of young children, that triggers elevation of stress hormones, No Isolation, (2017). Furthermore, experiencing the elevation of the stress hormones for a long period of time may alter brain development and may cause physical and mental impairments, such as cardiovascular disease, and much more, No Isolation, (2017). However, being aware of the stressor of isolation on the development of a young child, parents and professional educators should take an active role in supporting children, the local community, and loved ones.

Currently, that the whole world struggles with the isolation that is forced upon us as we face the Covid-19 virus pandemic, spread love, check your loved ones regularly, and give them your support, virtually.

References:
Berger, K, S, (2018). The developing person through childhood (8th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
No Isolation. (2017, June 21). How does social isolation affect a child’s mental health and development? Retrieved from: https://www.noisolation.com/global/research/how-does-social-isolation-affect-a-childs-mental-health-and-development/

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