It seems every day there’s something new on the race for a vaccine for CoVid 19. Typically taking years to develop—if at all—there’s hopeful promise in some early stages and trials.
CoVid 19 delayed my #HaveGrandmaWillTravel status for Grandbub #4’s birth. I was present for the other 3… in some cases in the actual room so being forced to miss this was cut deep.
Grandchildren Are Grand!
But now I have come for my introduction. Luckily for me and the cousins, they seem to come in sets of 2. The first two, Grandbubs #1 & #2 are only 4 months apart. And though they have lived in different parts of the country —or different countries— they always get along splendidly when we’re together.
Now I have a new set of grandbabies. Grandbub #3 is #2’s little brother. He is 7 months older than Grandbub #4, #1’s little brother. I’m out visiting #1 & #4. The little guy had to go in for a 2month well-baby check. If it’s been awhile since you’ve had an infant in the house feel free to refresh your memory on the recommended schedule for vaccines.
And So It Goes…
I fully support vaccinating children. Truth be told, it was a requirement for enrollment at preschool. Of course I would have accommodated medical reasons. Since we were a private school we were allowed not to accept personal/philosophical or religious exemptions. So Grandbub #4 received the full round of vaccines for a 2 month old. Thankfully the only ‘reaction’ he seemed to have was grogginess. The whole experience though reminded me of some of the comments Grandbub #2’s folks had gotten in regards to his development. Long story somewhat shorter: At 1 year of age #2’s folks were told he should be speaking 8 words. He wasn’t and this stressed his Mother—unnecessarily! This 3-1/2 year old talks ALL the time! He has a fantastic vocabulary. The latest phrase he incorporated into his chatting: actual phenomenon. He is doing more than fine. Feel free to read the full post here.
Living in CoVid 19 Times…
So, here we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Apparently children are not as susceptible to the virus and are not as likely to pass it on to others. Additionally, for those that do get the virus it’s usually a mild case. I don’t know if those factors are the prime ones, but they were definitely considerations for the recommendation for opening schools. In fact, the AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for school this Fall should have one goal: Having students physically present in school.
School Daze
There’s going to be a lot of skepticism on returning I think. Take, for example, the abysmal record of vaccination rates in my home state of Washington. It’s embarrassing. Belief in conspiracy theories or unethical doctors—I don’t know, but it can’t be Science. What I DO know (having had to live through many of those childhood diseases) is it’s not a walk in the park. Before vaccines were available many children died or were seriously impacted.
Let’s assume school does start. Administrators are going to have to take temps or test for kiddos’ health somehow because, let me tell you, you cannot rely on parents keeping sick kids home. And if there’s not trust in their physical safety no one—teachers or students—are going to want to be there.
Way before coronavirus, but still with plenty of crud to spread, multiple kiddos were sent to preschool sick (coughing and/or runny nose). I get parents, who work outside the home, are in a tough bind if they don’t have family nearby that can help out. However our particular set of parents were not rushing to the office. We had stay-at-home parents, with an occasional nanny. So what gives right? Well I think they either wanted time to get errands done easily; get in a workout; do chores around the house; or felt they paid for the time and by golly they were going to get their money’s worth.
So what are you going to do if your kiddo’s school opens?
Do you consider teachers essential employees? Will you send your child? Is it more homeschooling or elearning? Hoping for some hybrid option—some in person instruction followed by home learning?
What about vaccines? Would you be willingly to have your child get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as it’s out? Why or why not? Let me know your thoughts.
I know I’m looking forward to the time we can say “Remember when….” and this time is all behind us. Until that time check these tips to stay healthy and safe from the CDC.
Yours in PLAY!
Teacher Karen
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