Experiences of children (ages 6-12) during COVID-19 pandemic from mothers' perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the experiences of children between ages 6 and 12 based on their mothers' perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Ten mothers living in Ankara, Turkey with children in the aforementioned age range, participated in this study. Data were collected through focus group interview with a qualitative phenomenological approach followed by thematic data analysis.

Findings: Three categories were obtained relating to the pandemic, including negative effects, positive effects, and the resultant needs and expectations of parents.

Conclusion: The findings show that the pandemic has significantly affected children in psychological, social, developmental, and academic realms. Therefore, it is necessary to plan interventions with a multidisciplinary approach to increase children's physical and psychosocial health, minimizing children's level of negative influences.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; children; psychosocial problems.