Reading about social awkwardness as a result of being socially isolated: “Extended periods in isolation indicates social skills are like muscles that atrophy from lack of use. People separated from society — by circumstance or by choice — report feeling more socially anxious, impulsive, awkward and intolerant when they come into social situations with others.” I get it. We, who became adults, especially older adults before the plague know what normal social interaction is like and we miss it, are maybe even becoming depressed for the lack of it. That’s sad for us, but it feels catastrophic for developing brains.
I’m thinking about my grandson entering kindergarten, which opened here in High Springs yesterday. With plastic bubbles around their desks and everyone with masks on. Just picturing it makes me want to cry. Little kids touch each other. They hug. It’s part of their social development–how they become adjusted, socially engaged adults. How we learn to care for one another. I don’t even want to think about how many times a day that poor beleaguered kindergarten teacher will have to say, “Tommy, don’t touch Kevin,” “Sandra, you can’t hug Maria,” and “Matthew, you can’t hold hands with Keisha.” And what message is that giving to their developing brains? Are they all going to be imprinted with the “Don’t Touch” model? What is the ultimate message? People aren’t to be trusted? I could get sick if I hug my friend? It’s a social science researcher’s dream. It’s my nightmare.
Pat Ponders Life 
Well, I do think you’re overthinking it a bit. If the only hugs your grands got were at kindergarten, then maybe that’s a worry, but it isn’t. in my 22 years as a grandparent, I can tell you that kids are very adaptable. If you tell them that juice and cookies are a party, well, it’s a party. If you tell them that we are going to be playing spaceship for a while and the barriers are their ship, well, we’re playing spaceship. They won’t worry unless you make it a big deal for them. Relax, Patty.
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