Play during the Pandemic
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| Title: | Play during the Pandemic |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sophia Burroughs, Cameron Minneman, Sarah Neeper, Gabrielle O'Shaughnessy, Madeline Schnabel, Laura Schmelzer, Alexia E. Metz (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Early Childhood Research. 2025 23(2):212-232. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Play, Young Children, Parent Attitudes, Parents, COVID-19, Pandemics, Interpersonal Relationship, Physical Activities, Creative Activities, Computer Use, Television Viewing |
| DOI: | 10.1177/1476718X241294120 |
| ISSN: | 1476-718X 1741-2927 |
| Abstract: | Play is an integral part of childhood which is done for the sake of enjoyment but also confers many benefits. For young children who attend childcare, preschool, and elementary school, play is frequently done outside the home and with peers. The public health measures of the COVID-19 pandemic confined many families to their homes while parents had to continue to meet demands of work and home responsibilities. We surveyed (n = 175) and interviewed (n = 62) a convenience sample of parents of young children (aged 1-8) in the USA about how their children's play was affected. Parents shared concerns that their children missed opportunities for social play. Parents reported novel efforts to facilitate their children's play, including rearranging furniture, repurposing spaces, and providing new toys. While at home, children's play increased in every room of the house; they played more with family members; and their preference for technology toys increased from an already high rank. Play times shifted toward earlier in the day. Parents reported that play activities included physical activity, seated play, screen time, and creative activities. In interview, parents observed that the content of play reflected themes of the pandemic (such as mask-wearing) and a desire for normalcy (such as playing school). |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1471676 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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