Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Children and Families: A Qualitative Study Using Best Starts for Kids Health Survey Data in King County, WA

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and caregivers with young children in King County, Washington using data from a local population-based survey, the Best Starts for Kids Health Survey (BSKHS). Methods 7033 parents and caregivers in King County, Washington with children 5th grade and younger participated in the BSKHS in 2021. Three evaluators adopted a framework method approach to thematic analysis for open-ended survey responses regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on families. Results Children aged 0–5 years missed important social development opportunities, while elementary-school children missed social interactions and felt isolated during remote schooling. Parents were exhausted by the competing demands of work and schooling/childcare, with mothers bearing the brunt of additional responsibilities. Many families faced financial uncertainty and were unable to meet basic needs. Yet, families were grateful for more quality time with family members. Conclusions for Practice Parents expressed that children aged 0–5 years missed out on social development opportunities with both adults and children their own age and elementary-school children and felt isolated while schools were closed to in-person schooling.