After what feels like an eternity—twelve weeks? a hundred?—of what began as a short two-week quarantine to curb the spread of COVID-19, my kids and I have been avoiding playgrounds and crowded spaces as instructed. We’ve followed the guidelines diligently, and we recognize the importance of supporting our healthcare heroes on the front lines. We understand the significant physical, mental, and emotional toll this pandemic has taken on everyone involved. We trust science, and we acknowledge the serious nature of this virus—its immediate effects and the potential long-term consequences. We’ve seen the impact firsthand, as the frequent “in sympathy” emails from local organizations have lessened, yet not ceased.
However, when the authorities declare playgrounds safe to reopen, my family will be there. Some may see this as contradictory, but it’s not. Each decision we make is influenced by a broader context, and while the dangers of the virus have not vanished, we must weigh them against the critical need for play and the strategies we’ve learned to reduce transmission.
The Importance of Play
Children need to engage in play, to expend energy, to climb, swing, and run. Many kids lack access to outdoor spaces, making playgrounds their only outlet. When my son was diagnosed with low muscle tone, his therapist advised that the best thing for him was to play freely at the playground, moving as children naturally do. Now, as he grows, that movement remains vital for both his physical and emotional well-being.
Understanding COVID-19
Since March, our understanding of COVID-19 has evolved significantly. We now recognize that outdoor environments present less risk than indoor ones and that surface transmission is far less likely than we once thought. The CDC clarified this in a recent release, emphasizing that close contact between individuals is the primary means of transmission. It noted that while it’s possible to contract the virus from surfaces, it’s not the primary way it spreads.
Therefore, if we choose to visit the playground, we’ll be mindful. We plan to go during off-peak hours, ensuring we can maintain social distancing. My kids are old enough to wear masks, and we’ve practiced with them so they understand that incorporating masks into our lives is necessary for a bit of normalcy.
Mask-Wearing and Safety
It’s true that some children may struggle with wearing masks due to sensory issues, and we still have much to learn about how children transmit the virus. Some studies suggest that children may be less likely to contract and spread the virus, but this knowledge is still evolving. Therefore, if your child can wear a mask, they should. If not, the risk is likely lower than if adults were the only ones at the playground.
I realize that staying home would be safer, especially after so many days of confinement. But this virus may remain with us for quite some time, potentially until a vaccine is available. While there’s hope on that front, the timeline remains uncertain. Should we keep our kids away from playgrounds for another month, year, or longer?
Keeping them home was feasible for a few months, but as time drags on with no clear end in sight, I find myself questioning where the balance lies. At what point does it become more harmful for my children to live in fear rather than take a calculated risk to enjoy life?
Making the Decision
Going to the playground is not a decision I make lightly. I’m aware that COVID-19 hasn’t vanished simply because my kids are restless. I’m not advocating for a reckless return to normalcy. I wouldn’t let my kids dive into a crowd, nor would I allow them to play in crowded indoor spaces. Yet, I also recognize that they are struggling emotionally, and a little time spent playing outdoors might be just what they need.
It may be time to teach them how to make safe decisions as we adapt to this new normal. I believe we’ve reached a point where we must balance the need for personal safety with the quality of life for our children. For these reasons, when playgrounds reopen, my family will be there—at quieter times, wearing masks, and armed with hand sanitizer.
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Summary
As playgrounds begin to reopen, families face the challenge of balancing safety with the need for children to engage in play. Acknowledging the evolving understanding of COVID-19, parents must weigh the risks of exposure against the mental and emotional benefits of outdoor activity for their kids. The decision to return to playgrounds is not taken lightly, and families will need to adapt to new safety measures while prioritizing their children’s well-being.