Children’s changing behaviours and routines, challenges and opportunities for parents during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and preschool children from parents’ perspectives. We used an open-ended online questionnaire to reach parents (81: 60 mothers and 21 fathers). The questionnaire includes questions about gender, age, occupation and educational level, and questions about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ecological model is used as the theoretical construct to examine interactions between children and parents at home. Three main categories are identified: changing behaviours and routines, challenges and difficulties, and opportunities for parenting. The participants report that children’s 11 social and emotional behaviours change during the pandemic in general and the lockdown. The findings indicate that the parents experience difficulties and have a lack of knowledge and expertise in supporting children’s online learning. The findings contribute to studies on parental involvement by showing that the participant fathers are keener to spend time with children and help children’s homework.