Supporting Families and Caregivers of Infants and Young Children Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic: a webinar presented by Gerard Costa, Ph.D. & Joy D. Osofsky, Ph.D.

Drs. Joy Osofsky and Gerard Costa addressed the impact of the changes in our world and personal lives brought about by COVID-19. Special attention was given to the ways in which infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are affected when their usual routines are disrupted and their ability to manage stress and stay regulated are compromised. These changes were described through developmental and relationship-based perspectives, highlighting the critical importance of establishing new routines to support co-regulating, attuned, and responsive relationships. Insights from the brain sciences were described to better understand the ways in which infants, children, and adults may react around the fearful climate of COVID-19. Strategies for speaking with, supporting, and playing with infants and young children were presented.  Importantly, the need for self-care of the adults in the lives of the children was addressed.