Parents and teachers prepare for children born during the COVID-19 pandemic head to preschool this fall.
In early spring 2020, when the COVID pandemic began to take hold, everyone’s daily routines changed. For many new parents, this meant an unexpected and sudden loss of much-needed support systems. Holly Rondeau is the mom of a toddler born in early February 2020, making her son a pandemic baby. “We had maybe a week or two, and then boom! (The) world closed down, my mom had to leave early because the airports were closing, and then we couldn’t see anybody for like a year.” Children born in 2020 experienced isolation during an essential phase of early childhood development. This fall, these pandemic babies head to preschool.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, there were 39,820 births in 2020. This fall, an estimated 10,000 of those children will enter preschool. This number of children is an increase of about 2,000 children from the prior year due to the inception of the state-funded Preschool Promise program which provides free or low-cost preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. Studies show early childhood education programs, like preschool, are critical for children in many areas, including academic achievement and future health.
With preschools preparing to take in these pandemic babies for the first time, there is some apprehension for the parents. Children, especially young children, learn through play, activities, and interacting with other children their own age. The forced isolation brought on by the pandemic led to many children spending their formative years without some of these vital interactions. The isolation children and families experienced during the pandemic varied based on factors like family size and location. How this isolation affected young children’s social skills is likely just as varied. Add in the dynamic of masking for a year or more, and small children were challenged even further by not getting social cues learned from reading facial expressions.
Research studies on how infants and young children fared during the pandemic are assessing for changes in early development. Unfortunately, they are finding them. A study published in Japan this month looked at the effects of screen time on infants and young children. The impact of screen time is significant because many parents turned to increased screen use during the pandemic. The Japanese study found the more screen time an infant had at age 1, the greater the risk of delays in communication and problem-solving of toddlers at ages 2 and 4. A second study looked at changes in early childhood development that pandemic babies experienced. The study found a decline in these children’s communication and personal- social skills. Parents like Rondeau hope preschool will help provide some of these lost abilities.
Keri Archer is a kindergarten teacher at Nehalem Elementary. She taught before, during, and after the pandemic, giving her an excellent perspective on how little ones do when attending school for the first time. From her perspective, Archer says the children starting school at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year were the most impacted by the pandemic. She notes kindergarteners that year had not attended preschool because of the pandemic closures and the first graders spent most of their kindergarten year attempting virtual learning. Archer found a lot of gaps in the children’s education, and the children lacked an understanding of how to behave or act in a school setting. “Preschool and kindergarten are the years we are as human beings learning how to relate to each other,” says Archer. “Typically, that’s the first group settings that a lot of kids are in…they have to learn how to get along with each other, and take turns, and play.” But there is hope, as Archer saw last year as a more typical school year, and she expects the same this year. Rondeau is ready for this with her son. “I’m excited for him to start preschool and kind of, like, see this next phase of his development.”
Studies of the effects of isolation on babies who grew into toddlers during the pandemic will likely be under scrutiny for years. Because of the isolation, many young children have not had the traditional opportunities to socialize with other children their age. Archer wants to reassure parents with young children attending school for the first time. “The encouragement of a parent goes a long way to help them be successful in school. Because it is always going to be scary.” The advice Archer would give parents going into the new school year is the same as she would have given to parents before the pandemic. “I think the more confident that parents can be about how fun it’s going to be, and how great it’s going to be, and that encouragement, and just feeling confident that educators are well versed in what they do and are going to handle it well so they can feel that confidence too.”
AUTHOR: Leanna Coy, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner and Health Content Writer
Resources: Takahashi I, Obara T, Ishikuro M, et al. Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years. JAMA Pediatr. Published online August 21, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3057
Almeida, L., Rego, J. F., Girardi Teixeira, A. C., & Moreira, M. R. (2022). Social isolation and its impact on child and adolescent development: A systematic review. Revista Paulista de Pediatria, 40. https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2020385
Each year, lives are lost due to suicide. Suicide is an intentional self-inflected death. This cause of death is complex and is typically a result of many factors in a person’s life. These factors are often referred to as risk factors. A risk factor is a condition, characteristic, or attribute that can increase the risk of a negative outcome. Examples of suicide risk factors include: a previous suicide attempt, access to lethal means, social isolation, lack of access of care, problem gambling, substance use disorder, loss of a loved one (especially by suicide), and a stigma of discussing mental health. If you would like to learn more about risk factors, I recommend the CDC’s Risk and Protective Factors, this resource can be accessed on the CDC’s website(www.cdc.gov).
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and in Oregon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2021, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. The CDC’s data shows that in the year 2021 there were 48,183 suicide deaths in the United States. For more information about national suicide statistics visit www.cdc.gov. According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), in the year 2021, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in Oregon. OHA’s Center for Health Statistics data shows that 893 Oregonians died by suicide in the year 2021. For more information the state level suicide statistics visit www.oregon.gov.
The good news is that this cause of death is preventable. One way to prevent suicide is to increase protective factors. Protective factors are a characteristic, attribute, or condition that can decrease a negative health outcome. Protective factors include: a connection with others, access to mental health care, access to basic needs, reduced access to lethal means, coping strategies, and problem-solving skills. For more information about protective factors, I recommend the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Risk factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs, this resource can be accessed on the AFSP website (www.afsp.org).
If you would like to learn more about suicide prevention, I recommend attending a Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper training. This training is an evidence-based suicide prevention training that has been used worldwide. In this training participants learn about suicide, suicide warning signs, conversations tips, and the three steps of QPR. After the completion of the training participants will receive a certificate, QPR Institute booklet, and other relevant prevention information.
Since the year 2020, the Tillamook Family Counseling Center (TFCC) has offered the QPR Gatekeeper training to community members every other month (or as requested). From September 2020-August 2023, TFCC prevention staff has offered 32 QPR Gatekeeper trainings (29 in English and 3 in Spanish) and have trained close to 300 community members. This past year, TFCC has begun to offer QPR Gatekeeper trainings in the Spanish language. If you would like to learn more about this new offering, please contact Angelicao@tfcc.org. TFCC will present a virtual English QPR Gatekeeper training on September 11th from 10-11:30AM. If you would like to register for this training email me at Janeanek@tfcc.org.
If you are having thoughts about suicide, you are not alone, help is available. For local crisis support call the Tillamook County 24/7 crisis support at (503)842-8201. For national support call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800)273- 8255.
If you should have questions about this blog. Please feel free to contact Janeane at Janeanek@tfcc.org.
AUTHOR: Janeane Krongos, Tillamook Family Counseling Center, CPS
For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Looking for a creative way to use up the overflow of zucchini from your garden?! Give this Zucchini Pie a try!
1 tube (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent rolls
3 medium zucchini, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbs. Tillamook butter
2 tsp. minced fresh parsley
1 tsp. snipped fresh dill
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 ¼ cup grated Tillamook Pepper Jack cheese (divided)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Separate crescent dough into eight triangles; place in a greased 9-inch pie plate with points toward the center. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of plate to form a crust; seal perforations.
In a skillet, sauté zucchini and garlic in butter. Add the parsley, dill, salt, pepper and ½ cup cheese.
Spoon into the crust. Pour eggs over top; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover edges loosely with foil.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.
Yield: 6 servings.
For a lighter version, turn your pie into a frittata! Remove the crescent rolls from the recipe and add your vegetable and egg mixture directly to a well-greased pan and bake as instructed.
Photo & Recipe Source: Abby Carroll
For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Breastfeeding is a sound method of giving your baby a healthy start in life. It is a great bonding experience for both mom and baby. However, with feedings around the clock, breastfeeding can also be taxing. When combined with other responsibilities, like caring for other children, working, and household chores, new mothers can become worn down and stressed. The time you spend breastfeeding or pumping breast milk does not have to feel like another chore. Instead, use this time to find ways to care for yourself and improve your well-being. Here are some suggestions to guide your self-care.
Meditate
Find a comfortable place to sit while breastfeeding, like your favorite spot on the couch or rocking chair. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Let random thoughts go. If your mind begins to race, focus on your breathing. Consider lighting a scented candle or diffusing essential oils that provide a pleasant atmosphere for you to relax in.
Listen to music
Do you feel like you listen to lullabies and “Baby Shark” all day? When was the last time you played some of your favorite music and took time to genuinely enjoy it? Now is the time! Music can relax you, lift your mood, and remind you of happy times.
Watch a favorite TV show or movie
Much like music, you may be streaming children’s shows all day or not have time to watch TV at all with the new baby, let alone a movie. Being forced to sit still for the feeding or pumping gives you that time to catch up on “Bridgerton,” “The Batchelor,” or watch a favorite movie.
Read a book, listen to an audiobook or podcast
Feeding sessions during the middle of the night may not be ideal for watching screens. Instead, treat yourself to that new book you’ve been wanting to read. Too tired for your eyes to focus? Keep an audiobook or podcast downloaded that you can listen to with your headphones.
Nutrition
Busy moms constantly juggle responsibilities, and eating well for themselves can fall by the wayside. Remedy this by setting up some healthy snacks and a beverage for yourself when preparing to breastfeed. Keep some cut-up fruit, vegetables and hummus, or cheese and crackers on hand that you can easily eat while breastfeeding. Prepare a cup of tea, a glass of lemonade, or even just that bottle of water you never seem to have time to drink. You will finish your session less hungry and better hydrated.
Journal
Being a new mom is a significant change and can lead to a roller coaster of emotions. Many women find journaling helpful in their mental health journey. Writing down thoughts and feelings can be insightful in helping you understand them better. Other women enjoy journaling to document milestones they can look back on later.
Rest
Outside of your breastfeeding or pumping sessions, remember to rest. Rest is vital for physical and mental health. With a new baby, breastfeeding occurs so frequently around the clock it is hard to get more than a few hours of consistent sleep. The body is also recovering from the effort of giving birth. Your body needs rest to aid in this recovery. There is a reason your provider told you to sleep when the baby sleeps. The baby napping is not a time to ensure your house is spotless. Rest remains essential for moms who continue breastfeeding after the baby sleeps through the night. Not getting enough sleep can lead not only to fatigue but also depression. Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep a night. If you are napping during the day, limit the nap to no more than 15-20 minutes. Longer naps put you in deeper sleep that can make you feel sluggish when you wake up. Also, long naps can interrupt your nighttime sleep patterns.
The benefits of self-care cannot be said enough. Moms are often the “everything, everywhere, all at once” and put their well-being last. Because breastfeeding or pumping breast milk forces you to sit still, this is an ideal time to recharge and take care of yourself. Find a space away from household chaos and ask not to be interrupted. Taking time for your well-being will help you stay healthy to better care for the others in your life.
AUTHOR: Leanna Coy, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner and Health Content Writer
When rushing into life-altering events, it can be hard to keep up momentum or recover when you trip, experiences that Briar and Micah Smith know all too well. Married at age 20 and having their first child within a year, they found themselves a few years later $32,000 in credit card debt and dangerously close to housing foreclosure. Even Micah’s 50-hour work week and Briar’s full-time and part-time jobs couldn’t compensate for these issues. Briar, shocked by the revelations revealed by her partner, decided they would work together and find a solution.
They would squeeze in extra jobs to keep pace with their bills and used Briar’s tip money whenever possible. Micah and Briar leaned in and shared the financial responsibilities, held each other accountable, had grace and mercy for one another, and worked harder then ever! Briar took on a second part-time job in addition to full-time and other part-time positions. Although they initially didn’t like the idea of a budget, they reframed it from being a restriction of spending to a method of directing funds to their desires. Financial classes aided them, as they became more organized.
Working within their constraints often meant making self-sacrifices and seizing on opportunities. To make sure their kids ate fruits and vegetables, they would eat simple meals of ramen and peanut butter sandwiches. Whenever invited for meals with parents, they would accept the food and take to-go boxes. They learned not every decision had to take effort. Automatic transfers into retirement funds and designated checking or savings accounts relieved them of constant worry. To achieve their financial goals, the Smiths needed to plan wisely, recognizing they wouldn’t stick to their plan if everything was manual.
Ultimately, consistent communication and working as a team was key. Micah hadn’t told Briar he had a credit card when he revealed the debt. Now they discuss their financial goals and any unusual transfers, making sure they’re on the same page. The Smith’s hit the ground running and nearly trampled, but with enough coordination and education, they were able to stay afoot. Watch their story here: https://youtu.be/pPCL_chAXeU.
Financial Beginnings, a new local source for free financial education classes, offers the same opportunities that helped Briar & Micah. Easy-to-follow and designed to meet individual needs regardless of ethnicity, age or education level, there is something for everyone. Classes are currently happening through Helping Hands and at Tillamook Bay Community College, with programming coming to area schools in the Fall. Additional classes are to be scheduled by other partners soon.
Financial education isn’t just for 20-somethings. It is for anyone seeking stability and freedom from financial stress. Find your momentum today.
AUTHOR: Andy Jenck, Urban Rural Action Volunteer
For more information, visit our website at https://tillamookcountywellness.org/work-well/financial-wellness and follow Tillamook County Wellness on social media.
