In society today we are faced with a Global Pandemic due to the Covid-19 virus that is spreading uncontrollably. As we look around us in the world today, and see the people frantically stocking up at the grocery stores, wearing gloves and masks when they go out, businesses closing, supplies extremely limited or unavailable, jobs being lost while others are having to risk their own lives to be at work, and the rules of social distancing; it’s important for us to pause for a minute, and consider our children in all mod this. People say that children are most resilient, they can adapt quickly, they’ll be fine, it won’t affect them, they’ll love being out of school, daycare, etc. But, have we ever really stopped, and asked our children/a child, how it actually is for them now that they are no longer able to; leave their homes, attend school/daycare, visit family/friends, have/attend birthday parties, gather for holidays, go to the parks/amusement parks/water parks, trails, beaches, swimming pools, etc., or, to attend any of their regular sports/activities, all in order to maintain “Social Distancing” as required by law. Therefore, to help our children better understand these life altering changes, it is very important for us to, age appropriately, inform our children about the severity of this virus, and the safety measures/precautions we need to take, in order to help prevent contracting Covid-19 or spreading it as best as possible.
Social interaction is a huge part of most people’s daily lives and especially for children who attend school, daycare, activities, and are used to playing outside or at the parks with other children. Some children are fortunate to have other siblings to play with at home, but some children aren’t and only able to interact with other children over the phone, web, or from their own properties outside. Thank goodness that we are lucky enough to live in a world as technologically advanced as ours is, so that we are able to maintain social interaction over the phone, tablet and computer instead of being fully isolated from the world around us. Some children come from single-parent homes which can be a bit more challenging during a pandemic like this, especially when the parent can’t just call someone to come and help in the home, or to stay there while they go out to get food/supplies they need in order to quarantine. Instead, these children have to go with their parents and into the stores, at the risk being exposed to the virus, just so they can have the necessities they need. Unfortunately, this is the same scenario if someone in their home were to become ill and in need of medical attention from hospital. Not to mention, they are also seeing people in a state of panic, with masks on their faces, and gloves (latex mostly) on their hands, which can be very frightening/intimidating for a young child who doesn’t quite understand. However, we can’t forget about the children who’s parents live in separate homes either.
The law states at this time that all existing court orders are to remain in effect as they are now. Therefore, children can become caught in the middle of two feuding parents if the parents can’t agree on the safest and most practical methods of parenting and access during this Global Pandemic. All court houses are closed and cases put on hold until after May 29, 2020 so far, unless it’s a child protection case or a severe situation. Some parents are agreeing their children shouldn’t be going back and forth during the quarantine while other’s aren’t. Some are being forced to send their children for their scheduled access visits even if the other parent is/has been ill because the current court order says so.
With all of the schools being closed during this pandemic our children’s educations may feel compromised. All school functions, activities, graduations, testing, etc. have all been cancelled for the rest of the year, and students are now required to do online-learning at home. This is great for children who have internet, computers or tablets, and parents that are willing to support this and help them.
Unfortunately, not all children are so lucky and don’t have the same resources. This also includes the children who are stuck quarantined in their homes with abusive parents, and unable to go to places like school which could have been their only safe place. Online schooling began April 6, 2020, for all grades basically making parents become teachers overnight if they weren’t already, on top of continuing to work their jobs from home if they have one. it will be very interesting to see how the future changes now for both us and our children globally, economically, and educationally now because; so many people are being able to work and learn from home.
These children are our future so we need to: love, protect, guide, and nurture them, as best as we can!