Children of frontline coronavirus disease-2019 warriors: our observations

To the Editor:

We read with interest the article by Jiao et al discussing the behavioral and emotional impact on children and adolescents imposed by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.¹ Here we intend to share our personal observations regarding the difficulties and challenges faced by the children whose parents are frontline “warriors” against COVID-19.

Apart from the effects of protracted school closure, sudden changes in their daily routine, and a sedentary lifestyle, similar to other children, children of frontline COVID-19 workers are going through unique experiences. The concept of nuclear families in recent decades already threatens the mental well-being of children, where parental duties in hospitals and subsequent quarantine of their parents make them feel deserted. Although doctors know that children are probably the least physically affected group, a fear of transmitting the virus to their children is lurking in their minds, which may prevent them from interacting with their children.² Children less than 3 years of age who are dependent on their mothers for breast milk and other activities of daily living pass their lives in torment. Although, as a positive effect of lockdown, most children are getting more time to mingle with their parents, the story of the children of frontline COVID-19 warriors is different.³ Young children may not understand why their parents are not returning. Older children and adolescents with more mature thinking may offer respect toward their parents for being involved in the fight against the deadly COVID-19. Incidences of eviction from homes or discrimination against their medical professional parents⁴ creates a sense of insecurity, fear, and vulnerability among children—this may lead to long-term consequences of anger, aggressiveness, and disrespect toward society at large.

Experts have recommended strategies to combat the psychological toll of COVID-19 among children in general.5, 6, 7 In addition, we hope that government and society will be compassionate about the children of frontline workers at this critical period of time. Most important, we ourselves need to take care of our own children at this time.