Societal impacts of the COVID-19

The article by Terry Marks-Tarlow reflects on the societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly how it has forced a reevaluation of the fast-paced, highly structured lives that many families were leading. Before the pandemic, children were increasingly subjected to intense schedules, leaving little room for free play and imagination, which are crucial for healthy development and social orientation. The pandemic's enforced stillness has highlighted the importance of internal reflection and creativity, offering an opportunity to balance external stimulation with internal growth. Marks-Tarlow advocates for a shift away from the frenetic pre-pandemic lifestyle towards one that allows children the freedom to explore and develop intuitively through imaginative play.

  • Understand the impact of highly structured childhood environments on social and emotional development.

  • Explore the role of imaginative play in fostering children's internal orientation and decision-making abilities.

  • Reflect on the potential long-term societal changes that could arise from the enforced stillness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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