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With government officials poised to lift mask mandates this spring, children will soon have to adjust to being in school without face coverings. Vaccination is now accessible for those aged 5 and older, COVID-19 infection rates are on the decline, and the omicron surge is lessening. It seems we are heading toward a mask-free future. But are we truly prepared?
As always, the debate surrounding mask policies is filled with varying opinions. Recently, Governor Jack Mitchell of New Jersey announced that the state would end its school mask mandate on March 7. He tweeted, “Finding a balance between public health and returning to normal is challenging. However, we can responsibly take this step due to the decreasing COVID numbers and increasing vaccination rates.”
This means children in New Jersey, along with those in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, who have announced similar plans, may soon head to school with their faces uncovered. In New York, Governor Sarah Lee is set to lift the indoor mask and vaccine mandate, although the school mask rules, which expire on February 21, remain uncertain.
However, not everyone agrees with this decision. Some believe it’s premature to abandon masks, especially considering the low vaccination rate among children. As per CDC data, only 22.9% of children aged 5 to 11 are fully vaccinated, even though the vaccine was approved for this group in late October 2021. Masks are also vital for contact tracing and isolation decisions when infections arise, leading to concerns that removing the mandate could cause more students to miss school.
For many young children, the experience of being unmasked is foreign. Those who were in kindergarten back in March 2020 have never had a typical school year without pandemic disruptions and are now in second grade. For them, wearing a mask has become the norm, making the idea of attending class with their faces uncovered rather strange. Despite the unusual circumstances, children have adapted remarkably well to a culture of mask-wearing, demonstrating their resilience. Research indicates that children’s ability to read emotions has not been significantly impacted by wearing masks. Throughout this time, anxiety surrounding the pandemic has been a backdrop to their childhood, and masks have offered a sense of security.
As anyone who has gone without a familiar piece of clothing can attest, shedding something you’ve grown used to can feel odd and uncomfortable. Hence, some children may be hesitant to remove their masks. To help with this transition, we spoke with two child psychologists who shared their advice.
How to Talk to Your Kids About the Change
“Before discussing the changes with your child, ensure you’ve processed your own feelings,” advised Dr. Emily Carter, co-founder of the Family Wellness Institute. “If you’re feeling anxious, work through that first so you don’t inadvertently pass it on to your child. If you’re excited, be careful not to downplay your child’s feelings or force them to match your enthusiasm. Understanding your emotions will allow you to be open to your child’s perspective.”
Dr. Lisa Green, co-founder of Kids’ Health Solutions, emphasized the importance of clear communication. “Children feel more secure when their surroundings are predictable. Explain that scientists, doctors, and public health officials now believe it’s less risky not to wear a mask, especially as vaccination rates rise. Let them know this is a policy change that can happen when new information emerges.”
The shift will be significant for elementary-aged children. Navigating this confusing landscape is challenging, even for adults, and it’s essential to acknowledge that, according to Dr. Green. Additionally, not all families will choose to stop masking, and that’s perfectly acceptable. “Inform your child that just because the mandates are being lifted doesn’t mean every family will opt to go without masks; the change simply allows families to make their own decisions. There’s no single correct choice,” she added.
Some children may feel more secure wearing a mask, and Dr. Carter reminded us to provide them with tools to manage feelings of vulnerability. “For some kids, masks provide comfort. Equip them with strategies to cope with feeling more exposed.”
As we navigate this unique time in 2022, it’s also crucial to highlight the positive aspects of not wearing masks. “Encourage them to think of the enjoyable moments they can experience without masks, like seeing their friends and teachers smile,” suggested Dr. Green.
Patience and understanding will be vital throughout this transition.
If you’re interested in more insights on preparing for parenthood, check out our other blog post here. For authoritative advice on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. Also, for excellent resources on pregnancy, consider Women’s Health.
Summary
With mask mandates ending in schools, parents must prepare their children for this significant change. It’s essential to communicate effectively, acknowledge feelings, and highlight the positives of being unmasked. Understanding that not all families will choose to stop wearing masks is also crucial. Patience and empathy will be key during this transition.
Keyphrase: Preparing children for unmasking in schools
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