Lately, I’ve been grappling with a persistent frustration. When I see groups of young people out and about without masks, shoulder to shoulder, or witness parents celebrating their teens’ milestones with gatherings, my irritation boils over.
I have teens of my own at home who are eager to connect with their friends, often reminding me that they feel isolated. My eldest frequently mentions how his friends are gathering for bonfires, beach outings, or pizza nights. He shows me their Snapchat stories, trying to convince me that he’s the only one stuck at home, hoping to elicit sympathy and a change of heart from me.
But that strategy isn’t working. Instead, it fuels my anger toward the parents who are enabling this behavior. I’m tired of hearing excuses about how they can’t control what their kids do. Seriously? Adults have the power to take away car keys and cell phones when their children disregard the simple guideline of staying home.
What these careless parents fail to understand is that the more freedom they give their kids, the longer this situation will persist. It seems they don’t grasp the seriousness of the ongoing crisis or the potential risks of infections. Otherwise, I can’t comprehend their reasoning.
Almost daily, I see posts on social media from parents asking if it’s acceptable to let their kids meet up with friends right now. Do they really think that the risk of their child contracting COVID-19 is exaggerated? It’s shocking how often experts reiterate that this virus doesn’t discriminate by age or health status.
Prioritizing your child’s desires—like wanting to see friends in person—over their health is selfish. Some parents are complicating matters for those of us who are doing our best to adhere to guidelines. Their actions show a blatant disregard for the state of the world and a lack of consideration for the potential consequences if their child were to get sick or infect someone else.
This behavior sets a poor example for the younger generation. We’ve been advised to maintain distance and take necessary precautions, yet some parents allow their children to visit skate parks or attend pool parties without a second thought.
Excuses like “I don’t see the harm” or “It’s been long enough” simply aren’t sufficient. I wish these parents would reflect on the message they’re sending to kids whose families are following the rules. They should consider the strain on frontline workers and overwhelmed hospitals. By returning to “normal” too soon, they are contributing to the problem.
If their child was driving alone for the first time, they would emphasize the importance of seat belts and traffic laws due to the serious consequences of neglecting them. They would also worry about other reckless drivers on the road. Parents who let their kids roam freely are like careless drivers who think the rules don’t apply to them.
Maybe they believe that their child is too special to stay home, thinking they’re missing out on life. The truth is, we’re all missing out—sacrifices are necessary to save lives, and the actions of irresponsible parents prolong this situation.
I urge them to think about whether they’d let their kid drive after drinking. Most would answer no because they recognize the risks involved. It’s time for all parents to wake up and realize that this situation is no different; we all need to make sacrifices for the greater good, no matter how challenging that may be.
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In summary, parents who disregard social distancing are not only jeopardizing their children’s health but also making it more difficult for those who are following the guidelines. It’s time for a collective effort to prioritize safety and well-being.