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Post by mammajamma on May 16, 2020 12:14:36 GMT
My kids are 4 and 8. We have been strictly quarantining for 8 weeks now. They have “played” outside at a distance with some neighbor kids who also respect the distance. But this is starting to change them. I see how preoccupied they are if another kid comes nearby. This week we had to tell a little girl at the park we couldn’t play because we are social distancing. Parents all around have thrown in the towel and are letting their kids all out play with others — old style. Looks to be no restrictions from my vantage point. Space not maintained and without masks.
How important do you think kids should follow social distancing? How much longer? All the way until a vaccine? Until local cases are below a certain level? What is that level? Do you believe we should embrace kids being exposed to build her immunity (Swedish model)? Throughts on kids attending outdoor summer day camps? Or indoor soccer practice? Anything indoor for that matter? I’m surprised how many are going forward with plans. No play dates inside some one else’s home? Do you feel as long as your outdoors, you don’t have to maintain distance? (Seems to be an unspoken opinion in my area)
I’m personally skeptical that camp leaders and coaches can keep kids spaced, hands washed and engaged into the activity. I feel like one of a few hanging on, and not sure if /when I should relax some of our protocols. I am a cancer survivor and I know the collateral damage of health problems. I have to live with daily risk from breast cancer. It makes the magnitude of my concern seem higher. If I could have done anything to prevent cancer, I would have done that. But I’m loosing hope we can live like this for years without seriously affecting their childhood.
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lindas
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Jun 26, 2014 5:46:37 GMT
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Post by lindas on May 16, 2020 12:25:25 GMT
Just my opinion but you're the mom, it's up to you to do what you think is best for your kids. Doesn't matter what anyone here or anywhere else says or does, you have to make the decision that works best for you.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 16, 2020 12:26:24 GMT
We're still social distancing. My kids haven't played anywhere but the backyard since March 16th. It's been a long journey, but we're keeping on for now.
I don't know if I could be alright with myself if my kid was exposed because I was bored of social distancing.
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Post by shescrafty on May 16, 2020 13:00:43 GMT
Kids have to learn how to be around others and remain 6’ apart if there is any chance of schools reopening. They also have to get used to wearing masks. We don’t have a young child so we are focusing my teen on things like a movie in the backyard with spaced chairs. Riding bikes with other families is a good way to practice also.
Making some single sided games like with a sprinkler and kids on different sides. Water gun fight as well. Playing “badminton” with a balloon and paper plates taped to a spatula. I think we as adults need to rethink what “ playing together” looks like.
I think kids need socialization and sadly right now they need them with clear boundaries.
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pilcas
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Post by pilcas on May 16, 2020 13:24:05 GMT
I thin*k it also depends on your area. How affected is it? Playgrounds in my area are closed and I am sure summer camps are not going to happen. Heck, we don’t know if our universities are going to be open in the fall. My two college aged kids have not socialized in person with anyone although they do go out for walks.
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johnnysmom
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on May 16, 2020 13:26:46 GMT
For yds,9, we’re following the rules (even though I think the rules are too strict given the low number of cases in our area). Right now the governor’s rule is we’re locked down until 5/28 so no friends (none of his friends are within walking distance so no spontaneous playing outside). When that is lifted we’ll go back to “normal” combined with lots of hand washing. If masks are necessary then he’ll wear one. He’ll go to summer day camp if it’s open. He’ll play little league if it happens.
All that said, our situation is different. We’re low risk and we don’t see our extended family very often (when we do we’ll continue to maintain distance to protect them). Also, ds would become a hermit if allowed. He’s actually loving all this stay home time and would be fine if it lasted months/years/forever. We’ve always had to force him to get out and do stuff (which he always enjoys once he’s there) so this lockdown has a different impact on him.
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Post by peasapie on May 16, 2020 13:28:18 GMT
Its always a tough call but kids are resilient. I used to worry about cautioning my kids on stranger danger but they don’t seem damaged by that as adults. Think you can teach them to maintain space and wear masks without them feeling unnecessarily restricted. It’s just going to be another part of life.
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ashley
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Jun 17, 2016 12:36:53 GMT
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Post by ashley on May 16, 2020 13:30:06 GMT
You could follow Sweden’s approach but they have the sixth highest death rate per capita in the world, so the outcome may not be in your favour.
We’re following the rules here.
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Post by ghislaine on May 16, 2020 13:34:03 GMT
We are still maintaining social distancing. My kids are 7 and 11 but we live very rurally and my kids have only seen one neighbor kid this whole time. She came looking for her dog who had gotten loose. They didn't stay 6ft away from each other so I haven't been encouraging any attempts at playing. It is definitely wearing on them. I am pretending we live in The Little House in the Big Woods.
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Post by sunshine on May 16, 2020 13:39:26 GMT
You need to do what's best for your family, your own circumstances, and move forward in a way you're comfortable and feel safe.
Having said that, what seems to be missing from the national message is that in addition to making decisions on "health and science" it's time to add "common sense and logic" into the equation.
This is what we know: this is a new virus. This is a highly contagious virus. It's a deadly virus. We also know the virus isn't going anywhere. We can't run from it. We can't hide from it. SO, we need to learn to live with it. Some of the measures put in place in certain states, certain cities, seem so illogical and outrageous to me they make no sense.
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 16, 2020 13:50:27 GMT
We're still social distancing. My kids haven't played anywhere but the backyard since March 16th. It's been a long journey, but we're keeping on for now. I don't know if I could be alright with myself if my kid was exposed because I was bored of social distancing. Same here. With that new Corona complication that’s popping up now in kids, I definitely DO NOT want my kid to get that! That rash looks awful and several kids have already died. I realize that the numbers at this point for that are still pretty low, but it seems so random who will get it and so little is known about Covid in general and the long term health risks that I wouldn’t be signing my kid up for anything right now. My kid has had double lobe pneumonia in the past and her doctor at the time said that when you’ve had it once you are more prone to get it again, and that thought concerns me for her. DD wanted to go to two art (day) camps this summer, but I think we’re going to hold off with anything in person for the time being. I paid for a couple different online art classes for her last year that she hasn’t even looked at, and I think she can go through those for now. Later this summer I wouldn’t have a problem with her going bike riding with her friends who live down the block as long as that’s all they do and it’s all the closer they get, but I highly doubt their mom would go for even that.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on May 16, 2020 13:50:29 GMT
You need to do what's best for your family, your own circumstances, and move forward in a way you're comfortable and feel safe.
Having said that, what seems to be missing from the national message is that in addition to making decisions on "health and science" it's time to add "common sense and logic" into the equation.
This is what we know: this is a new virus. This is a highly contagious virus. It's a deadly virus. We also know the virus isn't going anywhere. We can't run from it. We can't hide from it. SO, we need to learn to live with it. Some of the measures put in place in certain states, certain cities, seem so illogical and outrageous to me they make no sense.
I agree that we have to learn to live with it -- until we get a vaccine. But employing common sense and logic, as you say, doesn't mean abandoning physical distancing, wearing a mask, separation, etc.
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Post by Skellinton on May 16, 2020 14:06:32 GMT
I absolutely agree kids need to socialize, but people need to ask themselves do the risks outweigh the rewards? It is a shame that so many people have just given up or never cared in the first place. They are the proverbial kids who are ruining it for the rest of us.
I wonder if you could find someone on nextdoor or something that has kids that have also been isolating that are around the same age of your kids and you could arrange social distance play dates? I like the suggestions posted above of what activities they could do.
Our summer camps are pretty much cancelled here. The city run ones, the summer camp where I work, Zoo camp, etc. I saw the guidelines for what was supposed to happen if they were run and I am so thankful we are closed, the guidelines were pretty dismal. Only 10 kids in one area with walls separating them, no swapping of kids or teachers, maintain distance, no shared supplies, no group activities that required closeness, no parents in building (drop off and pick up was to happen outside), masks suggested, etc. There are some camps open for families that give preferences to families of first responders, but man, I feel for the people running them who are trying to come up with a full days activities under those circumstances.
It is going to be a loooooonnnnngggggg summer for a lot of parents,
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Post by sunshine on May 16, 2020 14:06:38 GMT
You need to do what's best for your family, your own circumstances, and move forward in a way you're comfortable and feel safe.
Having said that, what seems to be missing from the national message is that in addition to making decisions on "health and science" it's time to add "common sense and logic" into the equation.
This is what we know: this is a new virus. This is a highly contagious virus. It's a deadly virus. We also know the virus isn't going anywhere. We can't run from it. We can't hide from it. SO, we need to learn to live with it. Some of the measures put in place in certain states, certain cities, seem so illogical and outrageous to me they make no sense.
I agree that we have to learn to live with it -- until we get a vaccine. But employing common sense and logic, as you say, doesn't mean abandoning physical distancing, wearing a mask, separation, etc. I didn't say it did.
There are going to be individual assholes that will continue to be stupid. There's also situations that will continue to be problems such as large, crowded venues like sporting events, concerts, etc. Those need to be dealt with on a larger scale. However, certain city or state officials encouraging neighbors to turn in fellow neighbors for sitting in their own driveways six feet apart from family or friends, not allowing 2 people living in the same household to ride in the same golf cart, and forcing businesses to close without giving them a chance to survive and provide because owners can't be trusted to do the right thing are just some ways I've seen that make no sense.
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on May 16, 2020 14:11:30 GMT
I think this is going to depend on where you are and what your government has said. If your leaders have said no social distancing play dates then don’t do it as your area isn’t ready. It will also depend on the age of the kids in question.
Our gov’t officials have stated that social distancing play dates are currently on. That means that my kids meet 1 friend at a time at a distance. They walk or talk but no ‘playing’ of games that require touching. The kids are good at using technology to get around this. Like they play heads up from a distance. Starting next week we are allowed to socialize with up to 6 people in our home. That said, the gov’f has instituted a saying - small groups/large spaces. Try and do all socializing outside of the home if possible. Try to keep hand contact to a minimum. It’s about common sense.
When dd has a friend in the yard and that friend has to use the bathroom she uses the bathroom at our house but we’re far away. It’s about talking to one another outside and washing hands. That is how we will have to move forward for now.
I also agree that the kids need to be taught this if they’re going to move forward with school. Our schools will be back full on in September with measures in place - staggered classes, hand sanitizing, etc. It’s important to get the kids used to it so they’re not scared. I’ve taken my younger dd to a shoe store for new shoes and I’ve taken older dd to the bakery and the card shop. We’re taking baby steps with them out of the house. They wanted to walk with friends to Dairy Queen in our area. We went with and Dh went in and bought for everyone and handed it out as we decided the kids shouldn’t go in (this was twice - younger dd with a friend one day and older dd with a friend the next day - we don’t have multiple kids over at a time).
If your area hasn’t started opening up yet you might not be ready for all of that.
As far as camps go - I don’t know yet. Our kids are still signed up for a month of sleep away camp and it hasn’t been cancelled. We decided we’d send them if it’s running. We thought maybe t would run for one week sessions for each age group but we don’t know yet. If they change and run in the city day camps we’d love it and send our kids. Most community centre camps and other day camps are finding ways to do it on zoom (like little dd’s computer science camp) or outside (like art or sport camps). Our gov’t has approved certain sports - baseball, soccer, field hockey I think. For training only. No games.
Our schools start back June 1 so if the kids are going to be in school they might as well do outdoor art camp at a social distance.
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Post by freecharlie on May 16, 2020 14:25:29 GMT
Mine are older. My 15 year old goes for bike rides with his friends and has shot basketball with friends. They all have their own baskebtball.
The 18 year old sees his gf. He did the strict sip until the governor relaxed it and the first thing he wanted to do was see the girl.
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Post by myshelly on May 16, 2020 15:15:52 GMT
I’ve received emails from my kids’ former martial arts studio and gymnastics gym.
They reopen for classes on Monday.
Our art school reopens June 1 and has classes and camps all summer.
Our water park where we have season passes is reopening June 10.
We are seeing friends and family.
Mental health is health, too.
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 16, 2020 15:49:11 GMT
I’ve received emails from my kids’ former martial arts studio and gymnastics gym. They reopen for classes on Monday. Our art school reopens June 1 and has classes and camps all summer. Our water park where we have season passes is reopening June 10. We are seeing friends and family. Mental health is health, too. I get that. But without knowing *anything* about the potential long term physical effects of what getting it as a child could mean for my kid’s future health, to me my kid losing out on some activities for one summer isn’t the end of the world and isn’t worth even taking a small risk until we as a society know more. I wouldn’t want her to be exposed now thinking it’s no big deal and then five or ten or 20 years from now have some horrible life altering health issue pop up that affects her for the rest of her life especially if I could have done something to prevent it by just keeping her home for now. It is on me as her parent to do what I can to keep her safe, until more is known about this disease and what the actual risks are. It is my job to use what I know *and what I don’t know* to make the most informed decisions I can on her behalf. Right now this thing hasn’t been studied and there are far too many unknowns. I don’t want my kid to potentially come back at me years from now with regret saying, “WHY didn’t you protect me from this when I was a child and couldn’t make informed decisions for myself? Why didn’t you research this better before putting my long term health at risk?”
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Post by jubejubes on May 16, 2020 15:49:57 GMT
Toronto and several surrounding cities have cancelled ALL FESTIVALS and CAMPS, including kid camps until August 31, 2020.
There will be ZERO permits handed out for any gathering this summer.
Thankful that I live in Canada where LIFE is taken seriously.
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Post by myshelly on May 16, 2020 16:02:23 GMT
I’ve received emails from my kids’ former martial arts studio and gymnastics gym. They reopen for classes on Monday. Our art school reopens June 1 and has classes and camps all summer. Our water park where we have season passes is reopening June 10. We are seeing friends and family. Mental health is health, too. I get that. But without knowing *anything* about the potential long term physical effects of what getting it as a child could mean for my kid’s future health, to me my kid losing out on some activities for one summer isn’t the end of the world and isn’t worth even taking a small risk until we as a society know more. I wouldn’t want her to be exposed now thinking it’s no big deal and then five or ten or 20 years from now have some horrible life altering health issue pop up that affects her for the rest of her life especially if I could have done something to prevent it by just keeping her home for now. It is on me as her parent to do what I can to keep her safe, until more is known about this disease and what the actual risks are. It is my job to use what I know *and what I don’t know* to make the most informed decisions I can on her behalf. Right now this thing hasn’t been studied and there are far too many unknowns. I don’t want my kid to potentially come back at me years from now with regret saying, “WHY didn’t you protect me from this when I was a child and couldn’t make informed decisions for myself? Why didn’t you research this better before putting my long term health at risk?” And I completely agree with your right as a parent to make that decision. I just also believe that I have a right to make a different decision.
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Post by epeanymous on May 16, 2020 16:05:06 GMT
I am following public health guidelines. I’m probably not going to be more cautious than public health guidelines, but no, I’m not sitting here thinking that somehow the decisions I make only affect me and my family.
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scrappinmama
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Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on May 16, 2020 16:09:59 GMT
Smaller children don't know how to practice social distance. I just witnessed it this week when some co-workers came to wish me a happy birthday this week. They all lined up outside my home and we chatted while maintaining more than 6 feet apart. Their kids all got out of their cars and were all playing together. None of them maintained social distancing. If one of them had COVID, they are all exposed. That was 5 different families right there.
I don't have little kids. Mine are older teens. They understand. I have no idea how little kids are going to understand. Returning to school is going to be a nightmare.
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Post by hop2 on May 16, 2020 16:47:10 GMT
You are their parent. Your job is to protect them. That means navigating this issue the best you can making the choices you can with the knowledge you have. Kids will make mistakes. Even with the best social distancing your kids can unknowingly make a mistake, they just won’t realize they’ve touched a surface others have or whatever. I can’t tell you what I’d do because what I’d do was affected by my experiences & my spouse so what I would have done with small children might look very different than what you do.
Teach them to Wash hands, don’t touch their faces, don’t lick their fingers, wash their hands again. And well, wash them again. Teach them to be kind when social distancing to try to not hurt other kids feelings. Teach them to give themselves & others grace. Honestly I think this is one of the best lessons from this pandemic is to realize how interconnected we all are and how we treat others affects us all.
Keep super Up to date on the symptoms of covid & covid related syndromes in children & consult a medical professional immediately if they show the symptoms. It seems the problem with small children is the body response is very delayed, sometimes weeks later.
Obviously, if your opening up/lessening your precautions then also increase your precautions to stay away from vulnerable people. ( older relatives or friends or those with co promised immune systems. ) or even to stay away from others who are social distancing.
That is a long winded do the best you can, they are children they will not be perfect and your human you won’t be either. Just do the best you can.
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Post by nlwilkins on May 16, 2020 16:53:50 GMT
My children are grown, but I feel the need to add my 2cents. I DON'T trust the public health officials. I will look at the numbers myself, check out several reputable sources and do my homework before giving up SIP. Texas is relaxing the rules and I am appalled.
As far as social interaction for children goes, think of the not so far past when many families lived miles and miles from each other and children did not see others for months. For the most part they did fine. If you give up your safety too soon, it will make useless the isolation you and your children have endured so far.
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Post by freecharlie on May 16, 2020 16:56:18 GMT
As far as social interaction for children goes, think of the not so far past when many families lived miles and miles from each other and children did not see others for months. For the most part they did fine That was also how they were raised at the time. That isn't how this group of kids were raised. Their mental health is definitely different from prairie days. I mean, the same could be said about adults. In the not so far past, people didn't drive the way they do now and would not take a drive just for mental health.
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Post by mom on May 16, 2020 17:03:11 GMT
Kids have to learn how to be around others and remain 6’ apart if there is any chance of schools reopening. They also have to get used to wearing masks. We don’t have a young child so we are focusing my teen on things like a movie in the backyard with spaced chairs. Riding bikes with other families is a good way to practice also. Making some single sided games like with a sprinkler and kids on different sides. Water gun fight as well. Playing “badminton” with a balloon and paper plates taped to a spatula. I think we as adults need to rethink what “ playing together” looks like. I think kids need socialization and sadly right now they need them with clear boundaries. This is where I would be, if my area was not a hot spot. I'd try to find ways that they could socialize and still stay 6ft away. I don't think I'd do a pool situation or sleepovers but I would find ways to model social distancing AND them still getting to see friends.
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QueenoftheSloths
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Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
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Jun 26, 2014 0:29:24 GMT
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on May 16, 2020 17:11:12 GMT
Just my opinion but you're the mom, it's up to you to do what you think is best for your kids. Doesn't matter what anyone here or anywhere else says or does, you have to make the decision that works best for you. This seems like such an odd comment to me. She knows she is the parent. She isn't calling upon the peas to make this decision for her. She's asking other peas what they are doing to gather info and ideas in order to make a more informed decision. if a pea posted asking for a gift idea for their husband, would a good response be "Well you're the wife, so you need to decide that."?
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PrettyInPeank
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Jun 25, 2014 21:31:58 GMT
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Post by PrettyInPeank on May 16, 2020 17:21:24 GMT
It’s been a couple months and I finally allowed my 3rd grader to play soccer with his friend under 3 conditions: they wear masks, they stay a good distance apart (6+), and don’t pick up the ball, just kick it back and forth. They seemed to enjoy the challenge and new way of playing. I don’t trust they’d manage on their own, so I semi-supervised while working in the garage. I wish I could think of more activities like that so they don’t lose an entire year+ of their childhood.
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Post by Linda on May 16, 2020 17:58:58 GMT
My kids are older but because we live in a rural area and I don't drive - they've never done much in the line of organised summer activities or socialising. They did go to a week-long summer camp every summer but that was about it. 2/3 are now adults and seem to have survived okay.
My youngest is 13 - she hasn't left our property since March 10th and that's not looking to change anytime soon. School is online for now (2 more weeks before the end of the year). Her Girl Scout camp has been cancelled as have our summer vacation plans. And her horse riding is on hold. She's socialising virtually with her friends. She rides her bike and plays basketball in the yard and walks with me for about an hour every other night (we have a super long driveway and do laps). Girl Scouts has switched to virtual programming so she's done some of that and will do more once school is out. She does a lot of art, some baking, some Lego, we play some games as a family. She's not bored.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on May 16, 2020 18:42:31 GMT
I’ve been thinking about this as well.
Overall, our kids are doing well. They are getting along and staying entertained. But I can see some changes in mood, especially with the (almost) 15yo. The other day he was really irritable during their daily basketball game. When I tried to talk to him, he was upset and said he is sick of being at home and specifically in his room. He said he doesn’t want to sleep in his bed because he is in his room all day. We talked about ways that he can change that so we will see if he takes those suggestions. He is not one to get together with friends a lot anyway, but he usually has school and sports to keep him busy and for socializing.
My oldest has asked to get together with friends a few times. I told him (and the others) that they could get together with a friend if they were outside and still distanced. So far he is the only one that has done so. Our stay at home order expired Monday so he thinks that means he can go be with friends. We will need to talk about expectations.
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