The Bible has many excellent messages regarding little children. Our "little ones" whom social media sometimes refers to as "LO's" are spoken about in Matthew 18:10. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” What a mental picture this presents. Can you see the Angel with his hand on the shoulder of a little one and searching God's face?
While the Pandemic social rules of the world did not particularly target LO's, they were sucked into the shutdown vortex with everyone else. Did we "despise" them by protecting them? Were angels doing a double-take between the child and the face of God?
Socially speaking, infants through age 2 are focused on parents and caregivers, however, psychologists know that the ages of 2-5 are key to the social development of children. In an article by Dr. Wittenberg it is explained that at around age 2 "children typically engage in parallel play... this means that they play next to instead of with each other.” That stage of awareness of other children is the first step to socialization.
Dr. Wittenberg further explains that at age three begins "associative play... your child will start to look for other kids. It's important at this stage to give your child plenty of opportunities to spend time with peers," Dr. Wittenberg advises.[1]
Parents recognize that their children have not had the socialization this past year that would be considered normal. They question whether this fact will cause permanent developmental issues.
Emily Sohn writes: "Before the coronavirus pandemic began, Michael Munson’s 3-year-old son saw a group of close friends at his preschool at least a few times a week. When he wasn’t in school, he and his 1-year-old sister often played with other kids at the park."[2]
Some psychologists are suggesting that this year should not have a long-term effect on young children. “Even though this is unusual, most kids will come out of this fine because we’re biologically wired to adapt,” said Dr. Jack Shonkoff, M.D., a pediatrician and early-childhood development expert at Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child.[3]
The Christian response to all things "Covid" is well summed up by April Hedman in her article to parents. She encourages the Christian family to be courageous. Her steps to guide us in courage include: recall the character of God; celebrate what God has done; rejoice for those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn; cast out our fear and do not worry. As she concludes her thoughts, she reminds us of God's words, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10)[4]
Take heart Christians. God protects our little ones. They will grow strong and courageous as you guide them, love them and hold them up before the Father.
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[1] https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/social/social-development-milestones-ages-1-to-4/ [2] https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/social/social-development-milestones-ages-1-to-4/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/parenting/kids-social-needs-quarantine.html [4] https://www.caldwellacademy.org/blog-news/be-strong-and-courageous-a-christian-parents-response-to-coronavirus
