BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Social distancing for young children ages 18 months to 2 years should not be a cause of concern for development according to the Childcare Resource Network.
"They're not going to be traumatized by this as long as they have a consistent caregiver," said Kristin Macha, the Director of Community and Family Engagement at the Childcare Resource Network.
One fallout that can happen, however, is a stall in the relationship these babies have built with caregivers they do not live with.
Going beyond a videochat, Macha has some advice.
"We encourage parents to get photographs out and talk about that person," Macha said. "Even just using their name or talking about them to the child."
Using a more interactive approach that involves the child will make for an easier transition when the child sees the caregiver.
"This will help when it's time to get back into everyday life," Macha said. "It will be a better transition so it's not like they don't exist, then now exist. It will help hold those people in the childs' mind."
Coming directly from Macha, here are some resources parents can use for help
"Parents can visit vroom.org or download the vroom app to get daily activities and tips to reinforce social-emotional and developmental skills. They are small things parents can do throughout the course of their everyday family lives. For example, at meal times or bedtime. A similar resource is babysparks.com for parents who are concerned with keeping a close eye on specific developmental milestones and the activities which support them. Lastly, zerotothree.org is packed with wonderful research-based information and has a whole section devoted to parents."
