Psychology Prof, Child Development Expert Available for interviews
03/31/2020
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu, 978-758-4664
Schoolchildren who have seen their education disrupted as a result of the coronavirus pandemic not only need to keep pace in their lessons, but also stay connected to friends and extended family, according to a UMass Lowell childhood development expert.
An estimated 55 million K-12 students have returned home with their formal educations on hold, as more than 100,000 public and private school across the country have closed to date. With this and social distancing, these students are no longer alongside friends and classmates, relationships that can help them develop their self-esteem, according to Doreen Arcus, whose research focuses on children and youth in the contexts of family, school and community.
But maintaining continuity in children’s social development is possible, she says. Arcus, an associate professor of psychology, is available to discuss how children of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs, can thrive in a time of physical distancing. Topics include:
- How parents and other caregivers can use toys like dolls, stuffed animals and action figures to help younger children continue to develop social skills in the absence of being with peers;
- How parents can minimize sibling rivalries and promote cooperation between children;
- Activities children can pursue to reduce stress and maintain contact with friends and extended family.
To arrange an interview via phone, email or Skype (or another platform), contact Nancy Cicco at Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette at Christine_Gillette@uml.edu or 978-758-4664.