Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Through the school years parents were eager to turn the children over to the teachers at the end of summer vacation. Usually, teachers were also eager to get the children back in the classrooms. However, the teachers are not as comfortable to take on the responsibility of the overall safety of the children during the impact of the coronavirus. After children have spent much of the previous school year at home, things will be different for the children, the parents and the children. It is extremely important that parents TALK with their children about what to expect without scaring them. Once a decision has been made on which method the children will be enrolled in school this year, the parents must explain what is expected from the child and what can possibly be expected from the teachers and the school staff. Many pediatricians suggest that now is the time to begin conversations about the changes, the importance of following the directions at school to wash hands, to stay distances, even from close friends. It is important to practice the routine of wearing a mask. This includes teaching your children how to properly take masks on and off and how to care for the mask properly. Parents should purchase masks or gain access to masks as soon as possible. Parents should also review a good handwashing technique- sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing hands. It is the parents’ responsibility to remain current on vaccinations and be prepared in the event of illness. Parents should be sure that their children are vaccinated, now more than ever. Be sure to get the flu shot when it is available. Get medications ready, have a good thermometer and keep appointments with your children’s doctors. Make sure your children have what they need to return to school. Contact the school for directives. Teach them about social distancing. While around family, teach them how to keep distance, not to share food and not drink from common places. Since masks are required, it is important to know what the safest masks are for children. A cloth mask that fits comfortably and covers the mouth and nose is recommended. It should fit comfortably so the child is not constantly pulling or readjusting the mask. Therefore, now is the best time to see what is comfortable for each child. Get them in the habit of wearing masks so you can see what suits them. If your child has asthma or other lung problems, talk to the child’s physician to see what is recommend for the child about masks. Most physicians would recommend home schooling in such cases. Parents should take their children’s temperature daily, even though it will be taken again at school. If the child has a fever (temperature above 100.4 or according to school guidelines), the child may need to stay home so the temperature can be monitored.Parents should be prepared for periods when schools may be closed again due to the virus. Explain this possibility to your children to reassure them that all of this is for their SAFETY.