🎒 The Kindergarten Class of 2025: Our COVID Babies Are Growing Up

It’s happening. The babies born into a world of masks, hand sanitizer, and Zoom calls are now marching into kindergarten with backpacks almost as big as their dreams. If you’re anything like me, you’re feeling a mix of awe, pride, and a little disbelief. Our COVID babies—those tiny humans who entered life during one of the most uncertain chapters in modern history—are growing up. And wow, what a generation they’re shaping up to be.

🌱 Born in Chaos, Raised in Resilience

These kids were born into a world that was paused. There were no crowded waiting rooms, no bustling mommy-and-me classes, and no big birthday parties. Their first milestones were witnessed through screens, celebrated in drive-by parades, and documented in quiet, intimate moments at home. But what they lacked in traditional experiences, they gained in something deeper: resilience.

They learned to read facial expressions through eyes alone. They adapted to ever-changing routines. They bonded fiercely with their families. And they taught us—parents, caregivers, and communities—how to slow down, how to be present, and how to find joy in the small things.

🧠 A Generation of Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability

Now, as they step into classrooms filled with crayons, cubbies, and new friendships, we’re seeing just how extraordinary they are. COVID babies are emotionally attuned, curious, and wildly imaginative. They ask big questions. They notice everything. They care deeply.

Teachers are already noticing how this cohort brings a unique blend of empathy and adaptability to the classroom. They’re not just learning ABCs—they’re learning how to connect, how to collaborate, and how to thrive in a world that’s still finding its footing.

🎉 Embracing New Experiences

As these children embark on their educational journeys, they will encounter new experiences that will shape their identities. From learning to share and cooperate to navigating friendships, each moment is a stepping stone. These early interactions are crucial for their development.

Parents can play a vital role in this process. Encouraging playdates, engaging in creative activities, and fostering open communication will help build their confidence. It’s essential to create an environment where they feel safe to express themselves and explore their interests.

💖 For the Parents: We Did It

Let’s take a moment to honor the parents, too. We raised babies in isolation, juggled work and diapers in the same room, and found creative ways to nurture joy when the world felt heavy. We worried about screen time, social development, and whether our kids would ever know what a “normal” childhood looked like.

But here we are. Our babies are walking into kindergarten with confidence. And we’re walking beside them, a little wiser, a little stronger, and a whole lot prouder.

🌟 What Comes Next

This generation is going to rewrite the rules. They’ll grow up with a deep appreciation for connection, a flexible mindset, and a fierce sense of empathy. They’ll challenge norms, ask hard questions, and build communities that value authenticity over perfection.

So yes, I’m excited. I’m excited to see what these kids will teach us. I’m excited to watch them grow into leaders, artists, scientists, and kind humans. And I’m especially excited to say: we were there at the beginning. We held them through the storm. And now, we get to watch them soar.

Ceren