The COVID-19 pandemic poses an acute threat to the well-being of children and families due to challenges related to social disruption such as financial insecurity, caregiving burden, and confinement-related stress (e.g., crowding, changes to structure, and routine). The consequences of these difficulties are likely to be longstanding, in part because of the ways in which contextual risk permeates the structures and processes of family systems. The current article draws from pertinent literature across topic areas of acute crises and long-term, cumulative risk to illustrate the multitude of ways in which the well-being of children and families may be at risk during COVID-19. The presented conceptual framework is based on systemic models of human development and family functioning and links social disruption due to COVID-19 to child adjustment through a cascading process involving caregiver well-being and family processes (i.e., organization, communication, and beliefs). An illustration of the centrality of family processes in buffering against risk in the context of COVID-19, as well as promoting resilience through shared family beliefs and close relationships, is provided. Finally, clinical and research implications are discussed.

The current paper reviews the literature on historical adversities that have threatened societies, such as natural and human-made disasters and recessions, in order to highlight the possible consequences of the current crisis on the well-being of families and children. Families are facing imminent threats to their relationships, rules, rituals, and routines due to COVID-19, which can have major implications for children’s coping during this time. Some families will be more impacted than others, due to their prior circumstances, such as those with lower income, mental health and/or special needs, and/or experiences of racism or marginalization. It is important for families to preserve and nourish their relationships and shared beliefs as a way to provide security and hope for children during this time of stress and uncertainty.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has increasingly reported on child well-being, including the potential effects of school closures on mental health...