Since Millbrae’s Little Gym reopened in March, the parent-child sessions have been full with a waiting list.
Owner Lisa Chuang is fielding many calls from families who want their kids to learn motor and social skills through play.
“A lot of it is about risk-taking, socializing with kids that are in the class with them — taking turns,” Chuang said.
That is the kind of development many kids have missed while isolated from others, according to licensed clinical social worker Kristen Hurvitz.
“Children learn to manage their frustrations, self-regulation, cooperation, communication, expressing emotion,” Hurvitz explained.
Without healthy interaction with their peers, some little ones may show signs of stress.
Hurvitz says parents should look for changes in behavior.
“If they’re noticing differences in appetite, particularly in young children, anxiety can be a little different — it could be more anger, more irritability, increased sadness,” she said.
At the parent-child class, instructor Raquel Camacho says the pandemic has made a difference: more first-timers are coming to class more cautious — even anxious — around new people.
“Before COVID, they’d run up to me, give me hugs, ‘Ms Raquel, it’s so good to see you!’ but now they’re like ‘stranger danger, I have no idea who you are,’” said Camacho.
There are some things that parents can do to help their kids socialize safely, from outdoor playdates to going on nature walks.
“Coloring together, building blanket forts, obstacle courses, reading stories can be a way for children to explore and express emotions,” Hurvitz said.
And she adds the good news is children are resilient.
- CBS
Share
