Cheryl Elman

The COVID era created profound and lasting shifts in family life that continue to influence children today—whether or not the child or parent ever had COVID. Extended uncertainty, disrupted routines, limited peer interaction, changes in schooling, and altered family roles left many children adapting in ways that were necessary at the time, but may now be contributing to ongoing fears, social challenges, sleep disturbances, and slowed academic or emotional development. This presentation explores the long-term family dynamics that emerged during and after the pandemic and how those dynamics continue to shape children’s behavior, confidence, and sense of safety. Rather than viewing these responses as problems, attendees will learn to recognize them as intelligent adaptations that can now be gently updated. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of parents and caregivers as agents of change. Participants will be introduced to SleepTalk-style approaches that demonstrate how intentionally supportive language spoken around children can reduce fear, rebuild confidence, foster social development, and strengthen emotional regulation—without placing pressure on the child or requiring them to relive stressful experiences. Attendees will leave with practical insights, sample phrasing, and strategies they can immediately share with families to help children feel safer, more capable, and better supported as they continue to grow beyond the pandemic years