Let’s be honest: this pandemic is brutal, especially for parents. Beyond the heartbreaking loss of life that many have faced, families are grappling with job losses, anxiety, and other unimaginable challenges. Many parents are essential workers, forced to navigate this storm while providing crucial services—and risking their well-being in the process.
Even families who haven’t been directly affected by the virus are feeling the strain. Balancing remote work with homeschooling has proven nearly impossible for many of us. Our mental health is deteriorating, and so is that of our children. They’re restless, irritable, and their sleep schedules are out of whack.
We’re all worried about our kids. It’s heart-wrenching to see them struggle with feelings of loneliness and disconnection from their friends, family, and teachers. I lose sleep over these worries, and I’m sure you do too.
However, none of this justifies making choices that could endanger their lives or the lives of others. As our communities begin to reopen and impatience grows, I’ve noticed an alarming trend: parents arranging playdates and gatherings for their children. Families are inviting others over “just this once” for backyard barbecues or holiday get-togethers.
Yes, some of you may believe you’re taking every precaution to maintain social distance, but let’s be real—can that really be achieved when kids are involved? Many parents are justifying these meetups by citing their children’s need for companionship or claiming, “you only live once.” They argue that there aren’t many COVID-19 cases in their area, that they know the kids aren’t sick, and that outsiders should mind their own business.
Well, I’m here to tell you: I’m judging you. Harshly. And I don’t feel guilty about it.
Socializing Outside Your Household Is Not Safe
Socializing outside of your immediate family during this time is simply not safe. While it may seem less risky than large gatherings, every interaction with someone outside your household increases the possibility of infection—either catching the virus or spreading it to others.
Let’s quickly revisit how this virus operates. It can spread from asymptomatic individuals or those who haven’t shown symptoms yet. Recent CDC data suggests that about a third of individuals with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, and 40% of transmissions occur before symptoms appear. This means that the very people you’re mingling with could seem perfectly healthy but may unknowingly carry the virus.
Remember, you can only know if you’re infected if you’ve been tested—period. You may believe you and your family are fine, but one of you could be a carrier, risking the health of everyone around. While kids generally face milder symptoms, they can still transmit the virus to each other and to vulnerable family members.
Additionally, there’s a concerning new inflammatory syndrome linked to COVID-19, called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. It has led to hospitalization for many children worldwide, with fatalities reported. Just because your town has few cases doesn’t mean the virus isn’t lurking nearby; it can take 3-14 days for symptoms to manifest.
Why Take That Risk?
Why take that risk? Do your concerns about your kids’ unhappiness overshadow the potential dangers of social gatherings? This virus has already claimed nearly 100,000 lives in the U.S. since the pandemic began. This isn’t a trivial matter.
Let me be clear: your children will be okay. Socializing them is not an emergency. If you can keep food on the table, provide a safe home, and ensure they have toys and internet access, then you are doing well. Embrace this moment to wait—wait until it is safe to socialize outside your family, and until we have more knowledge about the risks involved with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.
This situation is tough, but our children are resilient. Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember periods of instability after my parents separated. We faced financial difficulties, moving frequently and relying on public assistance. Despite the challenges, I emerged okay because of the love and support I received from my mom.
Life can be unpredictable for kids, and as parents, we can help them navigate their emotions and reassure them they will be alright. Your child’s boredom or loneliness is not an extreme hardship, especially when they have a safe and nurturing environment.
Yes, this situation may be difficult for our children, but we have the power to guide them through it, teaching them the importance of sacrifices for the greater good. I would much rather have my kids endure a few months of restlessness than risk their lives or the lives of others. That’s the reality of our situation.
For more insights on navigating challenges during this time, check out this blog post on home insemination kits.
In Summary
While the pandemic has created significant challenges for parents and children alike, prioritizing safety over socialization is crucial. Kids are resilient, and with the right support, they can navigate this difficult period without unnecessary risks.