My kids have been pleading for playdates all summer long. After a while, Facetime and Houseparty just don’t cut it when it comes to their social needs. During the break, I felt more comfortable allowing them to play with familiar kids, namely cousins and a couple of trusted friends. Now that school is back in session, the dilemma has shifted. The friends they want to see are often the same ones whose parents I spot at the grocery store without masks. Not only that, but these kids aren’t even old enough to be vaccinated, which raises serious concerns for me.
My daughters have become so accustomed to wearing masks whenever we step outside that I felt relieved when their school mandated masking after initially making it optional. However, my relief was short-lived as I noticed many families from school disregarding this guideline in public. It’s troubling to see that I seem to be among the few parents in my daughters’ social circles taking precautions seriously, and this has made me want to put a firm halt to playdates altogether.
I find myself in an uncomfortable position. I’ve known many of these parents for years, and I assumed we shared a commitment to keeping our kids safe, at the very least by wearing masks. I recognize that the government has made Covid a political issue rather than a scientific one, and that health guidelines change frequently. But one fact stands out: children are getting sicker from the Delta variant than ever before. So what will it take for parents to start taking this virus seriously?
While I wait at pick-up, I notice two groups of parents: one masked and spaced out, the other crowded together without masks. Are they vaccinated? Are they part of the anti-vaccine movement? I have no idea. The uncertainty is unsettling. Are they unwittingly spreading Covid, putting our children at risk during playdates? I can’t shake these concerns, especially when someone jokes about social distancing because the principal is nearby.
One of my daughter’s friends invited her for a playdate over the summer, before the Delta surge hit. I hesitated but trusted my daughter to wear her mask indoors, as she had been doing. However, my concern shifted when the organizing mom texted me to say her other child had developed a fever. They wouldn’t be coming, but she wanted to give me a heads-up. She assured me there were no other symptoms. But honestly, I felt uneasy. Whether it was Covid or just a cold, I can’t take that risk.
She left the invitation open, saying she understood if I wanted to reschedule. But did she really understand? It felt like she was downplaying the situation. Maybe I’m overreacting, but my priority is my kids’ health and safety. I’m not willing to gamble on their well-being.
Both my daughters are outgoing and love making friends. While I want them to socialize and return to normalcy, my anxiety holds me back from allowing playdates. To the parents I’ve declined, I want you to know that I think your kids are wonderful, but I want to keep both our families safe. Please respect our boundaries and refrain from judgment.
None of us are to blame for this ongoing situation. Covid is a nightmare, and it will remain an issue regardless of vaccination status or mask-wearing. If we do take these precautions, we can hopefully return to a more familiar routine, filled with playdates, less anxiety, and genuine connections. Honestly, I miss having a drink with another mom in the backyard while watching our kids have a blast.
For more insights, check out one of our other blog posts on family protection here. If you’re curious about fertility, resources like Make a Mom provide valuable information. Another great resource for pregnancy and home insemination can be found at Hopkins Medicine.
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In summary, the ongoing pandemic has made playdates a contentious issue for many parents. While social interaction is vital for children, the risk of Covid transmission remains a serious concern. It’s crucial for parents to communicate openly about their comfort levels and safety precautions to ensure that every child can enjoy playdates without fear.
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