What to Do If Your Child Was Exposed to COVID at School and Needs to Isolate

This past weekend, our family faced its first COVID scare. I know we are fortunate, especially since my kids were fully remote last year. Now that they are back in school full-time, a sore throat complaint from my teenager on Saturday prompted me to take action. I needed to arrange a COVID test, notify his school, and prepare for a possible isolation period. Despite him being fully vaccinated and having no known exposures, I was still anxious. Fortunately, an at-home test came back negative, and a follow-up test at urgent care confirmed the result—what a relief!

However, this experience highlighted a gap in our conversations about safety. While I had emphasized mask-wearing and other preventive measures, I hadn’t discussed what would happen if they were exposed to COVID or had to quarantine. Given the robust COVID protocols in our school district, exposure is still a possibility, making it crucial to prepare them mentally and maintain our household’s routine if isolation becomes necessary.

Here are some steps to take, informed by experts along the way.

Familiarize Yourself with School COVID Protocols

Once I suspected my son might have COVID, I began to worry about the implications for our family, especially since my younger son is unvaccinated and would also be considered exposed. I needed clarity on how long my children would need to isolate and the role vaccination status would play in their situation. The district’s COVID exposure and isolation guidelines were available online, and I recommend that all parents familiarize themselves with these resources to avoid scrambling during a crisis.

Explain Quarantine Rules Clearly

Children can grasp the basics of exposure, testing, and isolation, so it’s essential to communicate the rules simply and directly. Avoid expressing personal opinions about the guidelines and focus on what the school mandates. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a pediatric expert, suggests asking your child what they understand about these protocols to clarify any misconceptions and answer their questions.

Create a Safe Space for Emotions

If your child is exposed to COVID or shows symptoms, they will experience a range of emotions. It’s vital to reassure them that feeling anxious, angry, or even relieved is normal. Dr. Liz Carver, a child psychologist, explains that children react differently to isolation news. They may feel upset or happy to have time away from school. Encourage them to express all their emotions in a safe environment.

Develop an Isolation Plan

Thinking about isolating my children for ten days forced me to evaluate my preparedness. Dr. Anna Carter advises that, if possible, your child should isolate with a vaccinated family member. Testing should occur about five days after the exposure. While waiting for results, ensure you have a plan to minimize interactions with others, keeping your household safe. It’s wise to have friends and family on standby for assistance during quarantine.

Reassure Your Child They Are Not to Blame

Children may blame themselves or others for exposure. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the importance of reassuring them that these situations are part of our current reality and not intentional actions by anyone involved. Use language that avoids placing stigma and helps them understand that exposure can happen to anyone.

Watch for Signs of Mental Health Challenges

The ongoing pandemic can take a toll on kids. While many show resilience, some may struggle significantly. Signs such as sleep disturbances, increased clinginess, changes in appetite, or reluctance to attend school could indicate a need for additional support. Resources like MedlinePlus can provide helpful information regarding mental health and coping strategies.

Although I hope my children never face COVID exposure, it’s essential to be prepared. Having thought through these scenarios has given me clarity and peace of mind. Let’s hope for a speedy end to this pandemic because, honestly, it’s been overwhelming.

For more information on navigating parenthood during these challenging times, check out this post on home insemination kits and find additional resources at Make a Mom.