Babies born during Covid-19 lockdowns developed and moved through early milestones under challenging and unique circumstances.
They were likely to experience less physical contact with others, interactions with loved ones via masks and FaceTime calls, and less exposure to public places more generally, like the hubbub of a playground or cafe.
Now those babies are starting school and with it, those different development circumstances are beginning to show through.
Not all children are the same, but Plunket says things like social skills, emotional regulation, and anxiety are challenges that many whanau are working through, likely as a result of the pandemic social restrictions.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Nurse is Zoe Tipa - she's in to talk about what families can do to help their 4 and 5 year olds as they start or prepare to start school. Send us your questions text in on 2101 or email ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz.
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