This page provides a snapshot of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents/caregivers and their children under 18. Resources are provided to help pediatricians to better support families to promote positive childhood experiences.


Overview

People who care for children and families have seen the enormous changes to US family life as well as the adaptability and resilience that families have shown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA), and Tufts Medical Center, surveyed 3000 parents and caregivers of children under the age of 18 in November 2020, March 2021, and July 2021 for a total of 9000 parents and caregivers. The survey measured the impact of the pandemic on family life, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and positive childhood experiences.

Learn More

Family Snapshots Video

AAP Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has policy statements and guidance on many of the topics covered in these reports including statements on child poverty, food insecurity, and family violence.  


Reports

Despite the Pandemic, Many Parents Report Family Closeness

People who care for children and families have seen the enormous changes to US family life as well as the adaptability and resilience that families have shown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Financial Impact of the Pandemic on Families with Children

This report explores the financial implication of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of families. Parents were asked in a survey about changes in their employment and household finances since the beginning of the pandemic.

Child Discipline During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been tremendous disruptions in family routines, employment, and finances. Family disruptions and financial stress may have affected parenting practices, including child discipline. In this snapshot, we present findings on how parents use discipline to respond to their children’s behavior.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic

There have been concerns about how the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shelter-in-place orders have affected risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) within the United States and abroad. In this snapshot, we present findings about IPV among adults in the home.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Households with CYSHCN

Given the increased isolation, reduced access to social support, and limited access to resources that many families have experienced since the start of the pandemic, it is important to understand the significant impact these might have on families raising children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).

Parental Concern About Children Falling Behind in School During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This Family Snapshot Survey asked 3000 US parents in March 2021, just as some school districts were re-opening, about their thoughts concerning their youngest school-aged child’s education.

In the Words of Parents Part 1: Work and Family Finances

In this two-part narrative report, we summarize the statements from a sample of 250 parents and caregivers, randomly selected from nine-thousand survey respondents when asked about the challenges and things that helped during the pandemic. By noting common themes across parent responses, these reports aim to shed light on how some families described their experience with the disruptions.

In the Words of Parents Part 2: Remote Education and Home Life

In the second part of this qualitative report, we explore responses from parents about handling disruptions to children’s education, with many reflecting on transitions to online learning. We also discuss how childcare challenges and changes in parental responsibility affected parents in our sample.

Year 1 Summary Report

This is a summary report summarizing key messages from the 8 Family Snapshot Reports.


Key Findings: Infographic Series

Navigating Child Discipline and Family Relationships

Parenting through the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging, and family relationships are facing additional stress. This infographic summarizes key findings from the Family Snapshot Reports and shares strategies for supporting families and promoting positive discipline strategies.

Navigating Through School and Childcare Closures

Families with children faced significant disruptions to their daily lives due to pandemic-related school and childcare closures. This infographic summarizes key findings from the Family Snapshot Reports and highlights different ways of supporting families as they navigate through residual challenges as a result of these closures.

Navigating Through Economic Stress

Families endured a number of financial hardships during the pandemic. This infographic summarizes key findings from the Family Snapshot Reports and outlines practical strategies for supporting families as they navigate economic challenges during the pandemic and recovery.


Video Case Vignette Series: Talking with Families About Stressors Exacerbated by the Pandemic

Talking with Families about the Pandemic - Economic Stress

Watch this video-case vignette for tips on how pediatricians can talk with families about economic stress exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Talking with Families about Effective Discipline Strategies

Watch this video-case vignette for tips on how pediatricians can talk with families about using effective discipline strategies.

Talking with Families about Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences

Watch this video-case vignette for tips on how pediatricians can talk with families to promote positive childhood experiences.

AAP Chapter Partnerships with Healthy Families America and Prevent Child Abuse America

In late 2022 through early 2023, 3 AAP Chapters engaged in projects to enhance collaboration among community organizations, to better support children and families.

See What These Chapters Learned


Additional Resources

Podcasts and Voices Blogs

Learn what others are saying. Listen to our podcasts and read our blog posts.

Keeping Kids Safe at Home During the Pandemic - Episode 6

In this bonus episode, hosts David Hill, MD FAAP, and Joanna Parga-Belinkie, MD, FAAP, talk to Ben Hoffman, MD, CPST-I ,FAAP, about keeping kids safe while they’re stuck at home during the pandemic. Hoffman is the chair of the AAP Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention.

Pediatrics on Call

|

August 4, 2020

This project was supported by the Cooperative Agreement Number, NU38OT000282, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The content of the reports does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by the CDC, or the U.S. Government.