Back to School, Back to Normal? The Effects of Pandemic-Era Education on Children’s Mental Health and How to Help Them Succeed This School Year

Thrive • August 16, 2022

By Thrive Wellness Reno Therapist Falon Schnieder, MFT

Although deemed necessary for public health, the ever-changing and complicated precautions, shifts in socialization, and virtual learning implemented during the pandemic continue to have harmful effects on many children’s mental health. As children continue to face fluctuations in formal education amid a tumultuous pandemic period and ongoing uncertainty, therapy can help them process their emotions while also teaching them to practice resiliency in their return to school this fall.

HOW ABNORMAL SCHOOLING HAS CHANGED CHILDREN’S LIVES

For children, irregular education during the pandemic influenced:

The way they express themselves and read emotions: Social cues are much easier to identify in person without the obstruction of computer screens and masks. Virtual learning and masks have disrupted children’s socialization skills by impeding their ability to express themselves and read emotions naturally.
The way they use technology: Many children have developed an increased dependence on technology for both education and entertainment. In my clinical practice, youth cases of anxiety and aggression have risen with children’s expanded use of technology.
The way they view the future: Many children that I work with are facing heightened health anxiety about the risk of sickness and death in themselves and their loved ones, which can be pervasive to their functioning and learning, such as by limiting their ability to focus and negatively affecting their sleep quality .
The way they view themselves: Many children who have difficulty processing sensory information have struggled with virtual learning and mask-wearing. Consequently, these children may have acted out by not paying attention during online classes, not wearing a mask, or seemingly misbehaving in other ways. Despite good intentions, related punishment can lead to diminished self-esteem . Some children who were already introverted have become even more shy and fearful of social interaction.
Their food and housing security: Many children relied on school meal programs which were largely inaccessible during the height of the pandemic and, in some cases, have not been reinstated. There was also an increase in rates of child abuse and neglect during this time. Educators often recognize and report signs of trouble at home, with 16% of child protective services investigated cases submitted by educators. Some children who suffered abuse or neglect at home went unnoticed while schools were closed.

THE STRUGGLES OF RETURNING TO TYPICAL SCHOOLING

Upon returning to normal instruction, children may experience challenges, such as:

Social acceptance anxieties: Children that I’ve worked with have expressed fear that they won’t be accepted by their peers, a concern they didn’t have pre-pandemic.
Unwillingness to leave their parents: Many children adapted to being at home more and may consequently struggle with anxiety about separating from their parents. Children who experience anxiety about their parents contracting illness may also resist attending school.
Bullying : Some children who continue to wear masks have had negative interactions with peers who pass judgment.
Struggle to re-adapt to structure: Children may also have difficulty adjusting to a stricter routine of in-person education.

HOW THERAPY CAN HELP CHILDREN READJUST TO TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION

Throughout the pandemic, children have had to adjust and readjust to varying levels of restrictions. Facing yet another drastic life transition with the return to regular learning, children may feel confused, distressed, and fearful.

Therapy can help children accept and adapt to the change by:

Validating the complex and wide-ranging emotions they may experience
Allowing them to process grief over the loss of typical day-to-day activities
Teaching them skills to cope with any anxiety
Helping them integrate strategies that encourage their flexibility and resilience
Empowering them to contend with any future unexpected life changes

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP FACILITATE THE RETURN TO STANDARD SCHOOLING

Even before the pandemic, schooling presented many challenges for children. The pandemic added complex layers to education, and as children return to more regular learning this fall, they may feel as if they are expected to automatically reacclimate to life as normal when it’s anything but.

Parents can support their children in this transition by:

Understanding their child’s school day experience: Often, when parents ask their children about their school day, they will respond with a simple “good” or “fine.” To gain further insight, a parent can ask their child open-ended questions, such as, “What were the high and low parts of your day?” If children reveal they are struggling, parents can also ask if they want help solving the problem or if they just want someone to listen.
Support them in finding solutions to any problems: If their child is facing challenges, a parent should determine whether to help their child self-advocate or to take a more direct role. If parents choose to allow their children to navigate their struggles independently, parents may encourage their children to rehearse self-advocacy interactions at home.
Validating any of their child’s concerns: Parents should try to provide a welcoming, safe environment for their children to express their feelings related to school. Parents may even offer different ways for their children to communicate their emotions, such as through writing, play, and music .

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AT THRIVE WELLNESS

Many of Thrive Wellness’ mental health clinicians specialize in therapeutic approaches and programs for children, such as:

Play therapy : A modality that allows children to express themselves in their natural language of play.
Child-parent psychotherapy: An intervention tailored to children five years old and younger who’ve experienced trauma and involves caregivers.
Circle of security parenting: A program intended for parents to learn different ways of connecting with their children to promote healthy bonding.

If your child is struggling with their imminent return to school or any other behavioral or mental health struggles, our therapists can provide care that empowers them to heal and grow. Reach out to learn more about our therapeutic services for children.

While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.

About the Author

Thrive Wellness Reno Therapist Falon Schnieder, MFT

Falon Schnieder, MFT, attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned both a bachelor’s of science in human development and family studies as well as a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy (MFT). She began her career as a therapist serving children and adolescents with significant mental and behavioral health needs in an outpatient setting. Since then, Falon has worked extensively within a child welfare system where she worked with children entering into foster care, biological parents, and foster and adoptive parents.

As a rostered child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), she provides didactic therapeutic services to infants, children, and parents, and specializes in infant and early childhood mental health, trauma, and attachment. Falon is also a board-approved secondary supervisor providing training in child-parent psychotherapy for aspiring marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and clinical professional counselors (CPCs).

As a therapist at Thrive Wellness Reno, Falon serves children from infancy to age 17, families, and parents struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). She is passionate about infant and early childhood mental health as well as providing support to caregivers during what can be the most rewarding, yet challenging endeavor — parenting. Falon enjoys helping families learn new ways to connect with each other, overcome challenges, and experience triumphs on their journey. She believes that providing mental health care services to the community is an important element of well-being for all and is an advocate for destigmatizing mental health.

The post Back to School, Back to Normal? The Effects of Pandemic-Era Education on Children’s Mental Health and How to Help Them Succeed This School Year first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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When Mealtimes Become Battlegrounds: How ARFID Impacts Families

August 21, 2025

When Emma was 8, her parents noticed her food choices shrinking. At first, they assumed it was just picky eating — “She’ll outgrow it,” friends said. But by 10, Emma would only eat crackers, cheese, and chicken nuggets. Family dinners became nightly struggles, her growth slowed, and she skipped birthday parties to avoid “strange food.” Her parents felt powerless, her brother grew frustrated, and outings dwindled. What began as food avoidance soon reshaped the rhythm of the entire household. When children avoid food, most parents expect it’s a passing stage. But when restriction deepens, shrinks to only a few “safe foods,” and begins affecting growth or health, families suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar territory. This is often where Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) emerges — with effects that extend far beyond the plate. As providers, we need to be attuned to these patterns. It’s tempting to dismiss them as “no big deal,” yet for many families, they are life-altering. Sadly, Emma’s story is not unusual. Mealtimes as Battlegrounds Families living with ARFID often describe mealtimes as emotionally charged, exhausting, and unpredictable. What should be a chance to connect around the table can feel more like a negotiation or even a standoff. Parents wrestle with whether to push their child to try a new food or give in to the same “safe foods” again and again to avoid tears, gagging, or complete meltdowns. This ongoing tension can make mealtimes dreaded rather than cherished. Siblings, too, are affected. Some may feel resentful when family meals are limited to what only one child will tolerate. Others may act out in response to the constant attention the child with ARFID receives. Over time, the dinner table shifts from a place of nourishment and bonding into a stage for conflict, anxiety, and guilt — a pattern that can erode family cohesion and resilience. Social Isolation and Missed Experiences ARFID impacts more than what happens at home; it influences how families engage with the world around them. Everyday events — birthday parties, school lunches, vacations, even extended family dinners — become sources of stress. Parents may pack special foods to avoid confrontation or, in many cases, decline invitations altogether to protect their child from embarrassment or overwhelm. This avoidance can lead to an unintended consequence: isolation. Families miss out on milestones, friendships, and traditions because of the unpredictability surrounding food. The child may feel left out or ashamed, while parents grieve the loss of “normal” family experiences. This social withdrawal can compound the anxiety already present in ARFID and deepen its impact across generations. Emotional Toll on Parents The emotional strain on parents navigating ARFID is significant. Many describe living in a constant state of worry — Will my child get enough nutrients? Will they ever grow out of this? Am I doing something wrong? This worry often spirals into guilt and self-blame, particularly when outside voices dismiss the disorder as mere “picky eating.” In addition, the pressure to “fix” mealtimes can strain marital relationships, creating disagreements over discipline, feeding strategies, or medical decisions. Parents may also feel emotionally depleted, pouring all their energy into managing one child’s needs while inadvertently neglecting themselves or their other children. Without support, this chronic stress can lead to burnout, depression, and disconnection within the family system. The Role of Providers For clinicians, ARFID must be viewed not only as an individual diagnosis but as a family-wide challenge. Effective care requires attention to both the clinical symptoms and the family dynamics that shape recovery. Parent Support: Educating caregivers that ARFID is not their fault, offering psychoeducation, and helping them reframe mealtime struggles as part of the disorder — not a parenting failure. Family-Based Interventions: Coaching families in structured meal support, communication strategies, and gradual exposure work so parents don’t feel powerless. Holistic Care: Involving therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and medical providers ensures that the family does not shoulder the weight of treatment alone. When families are validated, supported, and given practical tools, the entire household can begin to heal. Treatment is not only about expanding a child’s food repertoire but also about restoring peace, resilience, and connection at home. Moving Forward ARFID may begin with one individual, but its ripple effects are felt across the entire family system. By addressing both the psychological and relational dimensions, providers can help transform mealtimes from a source of conflict into an opportunity for healing and connection. For those who want to go deeper, we invite you to join our upcoming training on ARFID , where we will explore practical strategies for supporting both clients and their families.

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Is It OCD or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know

July 17, 2025

As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.