I typically support the “you do you” philosophy in life. I stopped worrying about what other parents think of me or their decisions a while ago. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own situation and is not accountable for others’ judgments about their choices. Who has the time to meddle in someone else’s affairs when we all have so much on our own plates?
Whether you decide to breastfeed or use formula, prefer cloth diapers over disposables, or have a specific approach to education, I genuinely trust that you’re making the best choices for your family. However, there’s one area where I can’t adopt that same mindset, and that’s in regard to COVID-19 precautions. I struggle to understand why everyone isn’t committed to safeguarding the immunocompromised, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and others in our communities.
The Ripple Effect of Parenting Decisions
Here’s the truth: Our parenting decisions, like screen time limits or junk food allowances, primarily affect our own families. We base these choices on our unique circumstances. That’s fine. But COVID-19 measures, such as properly wearing masks, maintaining social distance, washing hands, and staying home when sick, create a ripple effect.
Remember those lessons in sex education about how choosing to be intimate with someone means being connected to everyone they’ve been with? Whether you agree with that teaching or not, it resonates with what we’re facing during this pandemic. By not adhering to COVID-19 protocols, we jeopardize the health of others.
Setting an Example for Our Children
As parents, we are tasked with guiding our children and setting an example. If we don’t wear masks, why would we expect our kids to? When we host gatherings, attend parties, or socialize without caution, our children observe and learn that the health of others isn’t a priority for us.
I’ve encountered all kinds of misguided arguments against precautions—claims that the virus isn’t serious, that most people recover, and that we shouldn’t live in fear. These perspectives are not only ill-informed but also reflect a level of privilege. It’s easier to dismiss the pandemic if you’re in excellent health with great insurance, though science shows that anyone can get very sick and spread the virus. Even if you are in good health, that privilege doesn’t justify taking unnecessary risks with your health and that of others.
The Consequences of Disregarding Safety
By disregarding the rules, we teach our children that it’s acceptable to ignore expert warnings. We instill a sense of entitlement, suggesting that they don’t need to care about the collective good but should focus solely on themselves. This is the definition of selfishness.
One of my primary goals is to instill the importance of doing the right thing at the right time in my children. Right now, that means adhering to COVID-19 precautions. I must model this behavior and expect my children to follow suit.
I’ve heard it all—masks are uncomfortable, distancing from loved ones during holidays is disheartening, and precautions negatively impact mental health. But I’m willing to take the risk. We’re all tired and frustrated. This virus has tested our patience. However, unless we adopt a “we” mentality, people will continue to fall ill, and some will die. We must collectively respond to the virus with the appropriate actions.
Rejecting Misinformation
I reject the notion that neglecting COVID-19 precautions is a valid “parenting choice.” This virus has been impacting our lives for nearly a year, and we know how to protect ourselves and others.
Please refrain from sharing unreliable sources and conspiracy theories. A blog post is not a credible medical resource, and social media graphics without reputable backing are misleading. Don’t contribute to the confusion. Instead, let’s teach our kids to be kind and considerate. I want my children to think critically, but I won’t pretend that science isn’t real or dismiss the sacrifices of our healthcare workers. Their experiences and findings are vital. It’s time to focus less on sharing dubious information and more on combating the virus while teaching our kids to do the same.
Further Reading
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Summary
The article argues against the idea that refusing to take COVID-19 precautions can be justified as a parenting choice. It emphasizes the importance of protecting the health of vulnerable populations and teaching children the significance of community responsibility. The author stresses the need for parents to model appropriate behavior and adhere to safety measures, while also rejecting misinformation surrounding the pandemic.