PRESCHOOL / KINDERGARTEN

CHILDREN ARE CURIOUS!

Children at this age are curious and love to explore-- which is great! They learn so much, so fast simply by exploring their surroundings. By exploring and trying new things, young children learn to do things on their own that they used to need help with. That's why it's important that parents and other adults react positively to and support their children's curiosity.

Although children at this age are trying new things and testing out what they can do on their own, they are still very much dependent on their parents and other important adults in their lives. Young children often see their parents as super heroes: big, strong, and always there to protect them. They also tend to look to their parents first for guidance on how to act and react in new situations.

However, after a potentially stressful or traumatic event (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), children at this age may feel insecure and unsafe, and this can hinder their desire to explore. Not to worry! This is a common reaction from young children. With time and plenty of love and support from their parents, families, and educators, young children tend to regain those feelings of safety and return to their curious selves. ☺

For more information on specific ways to support children as an adult in their lives, visit the Parents/Educators page.

HOW DO PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN KIDS THINK, FEEL, AND BEHAVE IN RESPONSE TO POTENTIALLY STRESSFUL & TRAUMATIC EVENTS?

Knowledge is power! When parents, educators, and professionals understand how children think, feel, and behave, they are better able to support children’s physical and mental health following a stressful or traumatic experience.

Below are some examples of how Preschoolers and Kindergarteners may think, feel, and behave.

THEIR THINKING

Common ways kids think in general and about the event:

they often know they can't protect themselves
they often do not understand death
they may not understand when the danger is over
they may think the danger will return
they may think they did something wrong or it's their fault
they often do not understand their own or other people's feelings

THEIR FEELINGS

Common ways kids feel during and after the event:

they may feel helpless
they may feel scared of things they weren't scared of before
they may feel scared the danger will return
they may feel confused about the event or experience
they may feel upset or angry that things or routines have changed

THEIR BEHAVIOR

Common ways kids behave in reaction to the event:

they may stop talking or have difficulty talking
they may have issues with sleep
they may return to earlier behaviors
they may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy
they may act out or be more aggressive

However, all children are unique, so your child may think, feel, and behave differently from what is listed above. The most important thing to remember is to create a safe, loving, and supportive environment where children can process the stress and trauma they may have experienced and continue moving forward.