Regression V Shifts
It has been a tricky year to navigate for all of us, it’s clear to see that the pandemic has impacted children in a variety of ways. It could be argued that for some children it has resulted in new skills or increased family connection; positives can often be found. Some families have been under extreme stress and the usual development stages for pre-schoolers may have been under supported with nurseries closed or parents choosing not to send them due to safety concerns. This has meant that the usual rite of passages for toddlerhood may have been missed entirely.
I have heard from many families who are describing what they call regression in their child, this might mean a return to night waking, challenging behaviour or accidents with toileting. Some parents have told me their child’s language is limited compared to siblings, or their child has become more shy.
I’m not keen on the word regression for children, I prefer the word shift. Perhaps previously mastered skills for toddlers have been put to one side as routines and the world around them shifted. Parents may have shifted their approach and the chid has just adapted. I don’t believe these skills have been lost- they have become less practiced perhaps; and may have an element of domains of use. Children are used to using them in a certain setting, a domain or with certain people.
I always take a non-judgemental and caring position as I have been a Mum to three children and worked with thousands of families over the years. Families are always doing their best with the skills and information available to them at that time. The pandemic was an unprecedented situation we couldn’t have prepared for as families.
If you feel your child has returned to behaviours once overcome such as toileting, tantrums, night waking then I recommend retracing your parental steps, did you change anything? Have you shifted away from a previous successful routine ? Has life become overly busy? Is there enough downtime happening for the child? Are they waking up later? Is the bed time routine still the same?
Retrace your steps Mums and Dads and take a moment to see life from your toddlers view, it might give you some clues on when and why the shift happened.
Have faith in your little person, the skills will return with support and the right environment. Could be used for a Tuesday Tips
Best Wishes As Always
Lisa
How has Covid-19 impacted children’s life skills.
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