GOING BACK TO SCHOOL and TEACHING OUR KIDS

When the pandemic first hit, schools were closed and teaching went online at a time when, in the US, there were less than 5000 cases and less than 100 deaths. Fast forward to today, when in many places, schools are being mandated to open, we have over 5 million cases and over 160,000 deaths. We knew very little about this disease and the virus that causes it back then, but with what we now know, we should have more, rather than less concern for reopening schools.

The problems are numerous. The systems schools have instituted are numerous. The decision to send your kids back is complex. But the way I see it, and from what I have seen and heard about what is going on, at schools with apparently well planned out, responsible protocols, the fundamental problem is still denial and lack of personal responsibility

At least at college campuses, kids are partying like it’s 1999. I’ve been there (an 18 year old in college that is) and I know what it is like to be young and invincible, but these are different times. In addition, from first hand accounts, there is a LOT of denial and politicization (is that a word?) of Covid, which is clearly a function of where they came from and what their parents believe. Some don’t believe it exists at all. Some think it’s a “Democrat” conspiracy and we’ve all heard about extraplanetary alien involvement and “Demonic Semen”. It’s ALL crazy. I wish these people could spend 10 minutes in the shoes of a doctor or a nurse in the ER or ICU where Covid cases are being treated.

As weak as the CDC has been with its recommendations, even they recommended that schools not open up until there is a downward trend in new Covid case numbers and a test positivity rate of under 10%. In Georgia, the home of the CDC, they have a “denier” administration which does not mandate masks or distancing and despite both of those metrics being off, schools are still encouraged to open up!

The decision whether or not to send your kids back to school, be it nursery, primary, high school or college, is a personal one based on numerous factors.

1. Local community transmission rate and level of disease. Again, it should be at least under 10% positivity rate and downward case number trends.
2. School protocols and rules. You will need to investigate these yourself and feel comfortable with what is going on. Are masks mandated? Is there enough physical distancing. There are many variables with each school having unique challenges.
3. Personal situation vis-a-vis health and life. This is complex. I can afford to keep my kids home but many can’t. In many cases, the food programs at schools are the only consistent, albeit nutritionally pretty poor, meals some kids get. In many cases, schools are essentially child-care facilities. Some families cope with technical issues, not being able to afford computers or good internet access. Some have elderly or sick family members at home, increasing risks.Some kids are at risk themselves. Every family and situation is different.

Whether you send them back or not, remember that kids don’t do what you tell them to do. They do what YOU do! And they mimic not only your behavior but also your beliefs. It’s just like genetics and disease. Genetics may load the gun but lifestyle pulls the trigger. You inherit the lifestyle habits you grew up with and were exposed to. As an example, less than 1% of elevated cholesterol is truly genetic. The rest of the 99% is lifestyle.

The same goes for everything else, including attitudes towards Covid-19. Teach them how to be safe, and how to keep everyone else safe. Teach your kids personal and social skills. We are all in this together and the sooner we accept this and behave accordingly, the sooner we’ll get past this and the better we’ll be able to deal with future, inevitable events.

If you do choose to send them back, be responsible.  If there are any concerns about possible infection, err on the side of caution and keep them home or have their pediatrician have a look at them. Only one cough or sneeze could infect the whole class.

Teach your kids safe skills and habits or they may pay the price. Kids may have fewer deaths and side effects from this disease, but they still get sick and can transmit it just as easily. Studies clearly show that over 10 years old, transmission is the same as adults. In younger kids, data is less clear but they have also not been as social as older kids. We do know that in younger kids, they can have as much as 100x more viral load so it makes sense that they are just as, if not more infectious than adults.

1. WEAR A MASK. It’s the most important variable. Wear it properly covering your nose. There is some new info about masks i’ll post later this week.
2. DISTANCE when you are around people.
3. WASH YOUR HANDS.
4. WORK ON YOUR HEALTH.

Stay safe and be well. 

AC 😎✌️🌱❤🐖🏃🏻🧘🏻‍♂️🌎😷