A few weeks ago, I encountered my own pandemic limits. It wasn’t the first time I’d felt this way, and I suspect it won’t be the last, despite the encouraging news about declining case numbers and increasing vaccinations. I was simply exhausted—both physically and emotionally—from the relentless effort to maintain some semblance of normalcy during these challenging times. My body was charged with pent-up energy while I oscillated between curiosity about the future and an overwhelming sense of monotony that blurred my days together.
Then came my daughter’s birthday, a bittersweet reminder of our last “normal” gathering before COVID-19 changed everything. (That last celebration already feels like a stretch; I remember disinfecting every surface and spraying Lysol into the air as soon as our guests left, aware that the virus was beginning to seep into our lives.)
On the eve of her birthday, I saw in her eyes what I had been feeling for so long—she was done. Tired of facing disappointments, missing her friends, and pretending that any of this was okay. She had reached her own pandemic limits, resigned to constant refusals and the absence of the activities she once loved.
It hit me then: kids can experience their own pandemic limits too. I was aware of their frustrations with virtual classes and the absence of their social circles. It was clear they were grappling with the upheaval of routines and a myriad of disappointments. Yet, I hadn’t realized that what my daughter felt was akin to running headfirst into a pandemic wall.
A sixth grader named Mia from California shared her feelings with a news outlet: “I’m tired, stressed, and feel lazy.” Experts refer to this phenomenon as “cognitive overload.” According to Dr. Rachel Thompson, a clinical psychologist, children traditionally have a basic framework for managing disappointments. However, the prolonged nature of the pandemic has disrupted that structure, overwhelming their emotional capacities.
A year ago, when we pulled children from their classrooms, we believed the disruption would be momentary. Now, with their lives still in flux, the emotional toll is undeniable. The abrupt shift from their normal lives, initially expected to last just two weeks, has left many children feeling traumatized.
In an interview, parenting expert Lily Richards noted, “There’s a significant disconnect between the brief interruption we anticipated and our current reality. I believe our kids have borne the brunt of this emotional turmoil.”
Fortunately, there are effective strategies adults can employ to support children facing their pandemic limits. Clinical social worker Megan Hayes suggests that simply acknowledging how challenging this time has been can open the door for kids to express their feelings. “We do them a disservice when we overlook their emotional experiences,” she emphasized.
For some children, activities like yoga, meditation, or regular check-ins can be beneficial. Suggestions for adults, like focusing on what can be controlled during chaotic times, can also be adapted for kids. Setting small, achievable goals can empower them amidst the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Encouraging children to reflect on their past year and recognize their resilience can also help them navigate these turbulent emotions.
To celebrate my daughter’s birthday, we aimed to make the day memorable. A birthday parade was out of the question—she and her friends had grown tired of that novelty—but cake, candles, and COVID-safe activities provided just enough of a difference from our daily routine. For now, she trusts that we’re closer to the end of this pandemic than we once thought. She believes that soon she will be reunited with friends and family again, and that this challenging period is not permanent.
For more insights on navigating life changes, check out our related posts on pandemic challenges and emotional wellness.
Summary:
Children are experiencing their own emotional fatigue as they adjust to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Parents and adults can help by recognizing these feelings, encouraging open dialogue, and implementing coping strategies. Activities like yoga and setting achievable goals may provide children with a sense of control. Celebrations, even in modified forms, can also help create meaningful experiences amidst the uncertainty.
Keyphrase: children’s pandemic fatigue
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