Q: Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, my four-year-old son went to preschool and was very outgoing. Now when we go anywhere, he is terribly shy and clings to me. I am worried that all that has happened has made him anxious. What should I do?

Your child’s change in behavior is not surprising given what has been happening over the past year, said the Family Project panel.

“A four-year-old doesn’t have four years of memories. All he knows is the pandemic and the four walls of his house. It is no surprise he is clingy now, but his independence will return in time,” said panelist Chad Stefanyak.

Your son’s recent experience has been that everyone he sees is wearing a face mask, added panelist Mike Daniels.

“It is hard to recognize people, so he basically lives in a world of strangers,” Daniels said.

“It also is difficult to know what to expect from people, since he is not getting nonverbal cues from people’s expressions,” said Stefanyak.

Daniels noted that much of the news on television your son hears is about the pandemic.

“His entire life has been Covid-19. A child’s job is to need, explore and wonder. ‘Explore’ is extremely limited, because we can’t do anything and he isn’t getting much stimuli to wonder,” Daniels said.

Panelist Denise Continenza said it’s no wonder children are afraid since parents are telling them to stay six feet away from other people.

“What’s the mood in the family about Covid? Because a four-year-old will pick that up,” Daniels asked.

You need to modify your expectations and be patient with him, Stefanyak said.

“For many kids, they will need to hit the reset button. As there is more interaction with other people, he will become more at ease,” Stefanyak said.

Try not to push him, Continenza agreed.

“Encourage him gently with small steps to ease him back into a social state. This has been a real shock to these kids’ systems,” Continenza said.

A comfort object, such as a stuffed toy or blanket might help, suggested Daniels.

“It will happen quickly. Children are very resilient at four,” Daniels said.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Denise Continenza, extension educator; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor, and Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.