TAMPA, Fla. — For toddlers, anxiety caused by the pandemic is very real, though they don’t understand why.

What You Need To Know

  • Children are not running around playgrounds together as often due to the pandemic

  • Toddlers can be very aware of anxiety, masks, social distancing habits

  • Experts: Check in with your child about how they're feeling

Pre-pandemic, it would be all too common to see young kids making new friends on the playground followed by hugs and giggles, but now it’s a little more rare.

“She walks up and asks ‘can I talk to another child, may I speak, may we play?’ She’s very conscious of ‘do I need to put my mask on?’ And for a 3 year old that’s very difficult,” said grandmother Roberta Davis.

Thanksgiving break is a perfect time for families to recharge and get outside.

“She doesn’t have the interaction with children as much anymore and it’s hard to set up playdates right now because cases are back on the rise. It’s really hard for her and she doesn’t understand so it makes her upset,” said mother Ashley Crago.

BayCare Pediatric Service Line Medical Director Dr. Christina Canody says when it comes to all the masks, time away from friends and new routines, it can be scary.

“I think from a behavioral health standpoint, we really worry about the anxieties, we worry about the social distancing and all those social cues that older kids get from each other,” she said.

Experts say parents should be informed about what they’re reading, try not focus on all the “what ifs” all the time and to check-in with their child about how they’re feeling.

“This year is completely different but it reminds you to stay close to your family,” Crago added.

Experts also suggest structuring your child’s day, focusing on positive moments and remaining calm yourself are a few other ways to help your little one with their anxiety.