If you’re tired of hearing the word “pandemic,” it’s because we’ve been in this thing for way too long. But that doesn’t mean it’s over.
With vaccines being distributed, we can hope to see a return to normalcy somewhere on the horizon, but we’re still very much affected by COVID-19.
In this post, we explore five challenges families still have to watch out for during the pandemic.
- Mask mandates with kids
In the early days of this pandemic, kids under ten got a free pass on mask-wearing. But many states (and some organizations) have tightened their regulations on this policy. In many places, kids two and over are asked to wear a mask. And if you’re a new parent, you know what an incredible feat it can be to get a two-year-old to keep her shoes on — nevermind a restrictive mask. And by now, we’ve probably heard about that family who was kicked off an airplane because they couldn’t get their child to keep his mask on. Even though it’s for a good reason, these rules can seem impossible with young kids. For some parents, it’s easier just to stay home.
- Reduced social interaction
Gone are the days where you could meet a mom-child duo at the park and schedule an impromptu playdate. These days, most gatherings are not only small but intimate. When people do risk gathering, it’s usually with someone they already know very well. And this leaves new parents feeling isolated and alone. Unfortunately, the kids feel it too.
Kids who are used to playing with their friends after school are forced to come straight home and start their homework. And while more family time can be a good thing, limiting social interactions isn’t. Children need to learn to socialize and interact with other kids outside of their homes.
- Altered birthday celebrations
So many kids were great sports about the drive-by birthday parades of 2020. But how many people thought we would still be here in 2021. Even if you decide to have a small gathering for your child’s birthday, you may struggle to get friends in attendance. And the truth is that we don’t really know how these things will affect our children. This is an unfortunate circumstance for all of us, but it can be especially difficult for children in their formative years.
- School closings
Children who attend school outside of the home are naturally exposed to other children, which means their chances of being exposed to COVID-19 increase. And while children with the virus tend to fare better than adults, generally speaking, this poses many problems. Aside from the obvious fears of virus exposure itself, parents are struggling to keep up with impromptu days and weeks off of school. Most districts have rules in place to shut down an entire classroom if one person tests positive. And with quarantine times ranging from 10 days to two weeks, this can put parents into a tricky situation with their work schedule.
- Travel restrictions
Summer vacations are still going strong, but they don’t look anything like they used to. Most destinations have COVID-19 restrictions in place that either limit entry or require a period of quarantine. And if you have to quarantine for two weeks before you’re able to enjoy your destination, there goes your fun vacation.
Parenting is always tough. That hasn’t changed. But with so many rules and restrictions, there are even more challenges upon us. We naturally want to do what’s best for the children, and in such uncertain times, that’s not always a clear choice.
The post 5 Challenges Families Still Have to Watch Out for During the Pandemic appeared first on Life. Family. Joy.