Parents and children during the COVID-19 quarantine process: Experiences from Turkey and China

Abstract

This paper reports Turkish and Chinese parents’ experiences with their 3–6 year-old children during the COVID-19 quarantine process. Thirteen Turkish and 11 Chinese parents participated in a study that employed semi-structured interviews to examine participant self-perceived experiences. Findings show that the study revealed many commonalities in the experiences of Turkish and Chinese parents with their children during the COVID-19 quarantine process. Cultural differences between parents did not appear to significantly reflect the responses of parents during this extraordinary period. Parents mostly described difficulties with home quarantine. Most parents stated that their daily schedule and routines had changed as a result of home quarantine. Parents also said that they were unaware of their children’s developmental progress and the extent to which their children had grown up before the quarantine. Parents shared both positive and negative experiences during the process. Since the quarantine process is an extraordinary experience for all family members, parents should be encouraged to put those positive experiences and acquisitions into their future life.

Women and children's well-being in Indian nuclear families during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…It also shows that being isolated, lonely with less interaction may have a different prospect for children. Toran, Sak, Xu, Şahin-Sak and Yu (2021) also affirm our study's findings, where researchers revealed how Turkish and Chinese parents noticed children's changed behavioural characteristics during the quarantine process. The compromised caregiving environment, cold attitude of parents, low warmth, less and unsupportive interaction may aggravate adversity for some children who may show low verbal ability and affect their socio-emotional well-being (Odgers & Jaffee, 2013).…”

“…Emerging research also notes that the effect on children's eye vision is the most prominent one during this time (Dong et al, 2020). Another study also identified that three to six-year-old children stayed for a long time with mobile phones and electronic screens during the COVID-19 (Toran et al, 2021). Almost all the participants showed their serious concerns regarding their child's eyes due to these online classes.…”

Mobile device use among preschool-aged children in Greece

“…These results are similar to the study of Livingstone et al ( 2015 ). Furthermore, the literature has determined various demographic factors influential in mediation strategies, including family relationships, siblings, parental employment, family income, school attendance, and cultural background (Toran et al, 2021 ). This study found that the number of siblings also plays an important, influential role in parents’ mediation strategies.…”

Policies and practices of early childhood education and care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives from five countries

“…They have become more aggressive and anxious and exhibited more misbehaviour. Negative effects on children of spending lengthy periods looking at TV screens and mobile devices have also emerged (Toran, Sak, Xu, Şahin-Sak, & Yu, 2021). That being said, however, activities conducted by teachers through eba.gov.tr have become very important to young children, and some of them have been effective educationally.…”