Yes, I’m “that” mom—the one who inquires about firearms, pets, and household dynamics before allowing my child to attend a playdate. Now, I’m also asking families I’m unfamiliar with about their stance on Covid-19 safety measures.
Let me clarify: this isn’t a politically charged question to see if our yard signs align come election time. This is a matter of public health. If you think otherwise, well, that just tells me everything I need to know.
I trust in science and advocate for public health. I also respect that families should have the freedom to make decisions that suit them, provided no one gets hurt in the process. Believe what you want, do what you want—but the right to choose isn’t a limitless pass. It comes with boundaries. If this, then that. It’s a classic principle.
In my work in healthcare, it’s expected that employees get an annual flu shot. In one healthcare environment, I could opt to wear a mask if I chose not to get vaccinated. In another, I was politely told to leave unless I had a specific religious exemption to bypass the vaccine requirement. The choice was mine, but the rules were explicit.
Similarly, we all have choices regarding the pandemic. Just like seatbelt laws, vaccination mandates for kindergarten, and smoking bans in public, mask and vaccine requirements are public health measures aimed at curbing the spread of a deadly virus that has already taken over 649,867 American lives. Some will feel inconvenienced and disagree with the data or the rationale, but in the end, it boils down to this: if you want to partake, you must accept the conditions.
It’s akin to a corporate dress code: you may dislike it, but your opinion won’t sway HR. Personally, I’d prefer to wear jeans and sandals every day, but I choose job security over fashion.
Questions Before Playdates
When it comes to playdates (or “hangouts,” as my tween prefers), I will be asking some questions. How many kids will be there? A group of six girls, who are known for being in close quarters, gathering indoors to share snacks and hugs? No, thank you. I’ve never been a fan of chicken pox parties, and hosting a gathering during a surge of the Delta variant feels just as reckless. Perhaps if it were an outdoor playdate, or just one friend, or if the parents mentioned masking, or even required a negative Covid test at the door (exaggerated for effect, but you never know—someone might be doing that), I might feel differently.
Honestly, my perspective changed earlier this summer. We briefly unmasked in June when infection rates seemed to drop, but we returned to wearing masks as cases surged again.
My family hasn’t been isolating completely. Both my husband and I have continued working in our respective healthcare settings throughout the pandemic. We opted for in-person schooling as soon as it was available and kept our kids engaged in competitive sports once the facilities reopened. We’re navigating the world while prioritizing safety. My husband, son, and I are vaccinated, and I’m eagerly awaiting the day my youngest can also get vaccinated. Until then, we’re doing our best.
No, vaccines aren’t foolproof. But the data shows that, for most people, the potential side effects of the vaccine are far less dangerous than contracting Covid-19. The Delta variant is more transmissible and affecting children at much higher rates than during the pandemic’s onset. If I can shield my kids from severe illness or complications like Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), why wouldn’t I? Masks aren’t perfect either; factors like the size of respiratory particles, the filtration capabilities of different masks, and correct usage all play a role. But isn’t some level of protection, even if not ideal, better than none at all?
So please don’t take offense if I inquire about masks or vaccination status. Or do—your feelings about my questions are less significant to me than the health and safety of my children.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in more information about parenting and family, check out this other post on our blog. Also, for expert advice on fertility treatment, visit this excellent resource.
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In summary, as a protective parent, I prioritize my child’s health and safety by asking necessary questions before playdates. This includes inquiries about Covid-19 precautions, which are essential in today’s context. Understanding that these measures are for public health, I aim to navigate social interactions thoughtfully while ensuring that my family remains safe.