As the 2025-2026 school year got underway, social media was filled with memes about the so-called “feral” pandemic babies going to kindergarten—with a tongue in cheek “good luck” warning to teachers. Many parents of pandemic kids can attest that this cohort of kids has a reputation for being spirited, a handful at times—and also resilient. But what challenges might these pandemic kindergartners actually be facing—or is all of this a social media trend for the sake of traffic? Pandemic Kindergartners
We asked pediatrician and dad Kenneth Cruse, M.D., author of Stupid Carrot, MD: Parenting Children to Independence, his thoughts on this unique group of kids. From socialization to screen time, here’s what he says is fact—and fiction.
Is there a real concern for the pandemic babies as they start school or is this just a social media trend?
I think it is sensational and irresponsible to create a national label of uncontrollable children entering school this year due to sharing their birth year with the recent pandemic. I believe this cohort will have its own identity just like the groups of years ago. Teachers are trained to capture these characteristics and nurture them to meet their potential.
Speaking of teachers, what can they expect?
When teachers welcome children to kindergarten, they are prepared for many different personalities developed mostly by family life until that point. This can be the first time for children to recognize an authority outside the home. While it is true that the children entering kindergarten this year were born during the pandemic, this will only diversify the details of these personalities.
All children at this stage make the adjustment regardless of their background. Since this age group was in infancy during the direst moments of the pandemic, most effects would be from the family stress and subsequent response to lockdown. It remains to be seen if this is going to be a problem for teachers, although I have faith in their profession and believe they are ready for the task.
Can you speak to the resilience of parents and kids?
I have seen significant reclaiming of the normal “Big School” rite of passage as this year’s group prepped for school entry. Having already experienced the unthinkable, parents have reclaimed normal childhood development and are promoting it. Just as parents recovered from past cataclysmic events such as WWII and 9/11, our current parent cohort is protecting their children’s rite to normalcy.
For many parents working from home during the pandemic, screen time was an invaluable tool. Do you expect this will cause issues for this cohort?
One concrete consequence of the pandemic was the increased screen time experienced by all youth during lockdowns. Studies have determined that excessive screen time rewires the young brain. This group of children did have excessive screen time at an early age, so they may have a different biological structure of development that as yet has not been delineated. These neurological changes could result in general changes in response time, behavior, and learning capabilities. We will need to keep a close eye on this.
Do you think some kids will be more or less affected by being born during the pandemic?
It has been easier for children with older siblings to return to normal due to older siblings promoting a return to normalcy. Older siblings reconnecting with their activities lessened the isolation experienced. Those without siblings have had to turn to their parents or caregivers to develop an appreciation of normal school entry.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Parents are devoted to protecting their children and promoting development of their potential. Using the pandemic as the setting for this group’s entry into the world creates an opportunity for parents to seize the day’s circumstances and make them stronger. Explaining to this group how we overcame the pandemic instills confidence and problem-solving abilities. Parents should allow these kindergarteners to recognize their contribution to society’s survival of the pandemic.
There are children who will suffer with the changes of structure and rules that school brings. They may not respond well and be deemed a behavioral problem. This happens even when there is no pandemic. It is important for parents to recognize these traits and address them early so these children can have a better transition. Practicing appropriate responses to external authority before entering school can be helpful. If they cannot adjust well and discipline and consequences for bad behavior are not effective, then cognitive behavioral therapy might be a consideration to discuss with their medical provider.
About the Expert
Dr. Kenneth J. Cruse has dedicated over 30 years to helping families navigate the joys and challenges of parenting as a practicing pediatrician in Thibodaux, Louisiana. A graduate of St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, before opening his private practice in 1995.
In addition to his professional career, Dr. Cruse and his wife, Maria—also a physician—raised three children while balancing demanding medical careers. Their shared commitment to instilling strong foundations in their children inspired Dr. Cruse to combine his professional expertise and personal parenting experiences in his debut book, Stupid Carrot, MD: Parenting Children to Independence.
