‘Stranger-danger’ – Israeli children playing with the concept of ‘Corona’ and its’ impact during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

This study examines reports of 118 parents about the play activities of Israeli children aged 3-9 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents responded to online questionnaires describing children's play, creative activities and the family's situation. Qualitative analyses revealed changes in both the nature of the children's play activities and in the expressed themes. Findings highlight positive gains in children's development and family relationships. The varied and expansive nature of play seemed to support the children's coping with lockdown and social distancing restrictions. Themes emerging from socio-dramatic play show attempts to deal with fear of coronavirus by seeking imaginary protection and refuge from it, and by attempts to defeat it. Of note are the use of humor and cynicism alongside acts of concern and altruism towards grandparents. Our study contributes evidence as to the adaptive abilities of children and the self-healing functions of play, and denote the need to promote them.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• symbolic play
• COVID-19
• coronavirus
• coping
• play-themes

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Esther Cohen

Esther Cohen, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita at the Child-Clinical Psychology Program at the School of Education of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and at the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, IDC Herzliya, in Israel. She is an accredited Specialist and Supervisor in Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Family Therapy. Her research focuses on parenting and trauma.

Esther Bamberger

Esther Bamberger, Ph.D. Specialist and Supervisor in Clinical psychology. CPP trainer and lecturer, at Haruv Institute, Jerusalem. Lecturer at the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, IDC Herzliya, and at Mifrasim Institute, School of Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo.