Children Play Safely This Summer as COVID-19 Eases

Share on PinterestExperts say that outdoor activities and shorter play dates can help kids dip back into summer. Sally Anscombe / Getty Images

• Experts say parents should introduce their children to more frequent game schedules this summer as the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States wears off.
• They initially suggest shorter game dates as well as more outdoor activities.
• They find that after more than a year of isolation, some children experience some social anxiety when they return to the world.

After more than a year of restrictions, parents are opening front doors and backyard gates again so that children can be children again.

Summer is here and the time feels right.

Not so fast.

As states lift COVID-19 restrictions, there are still plenty of reasons to be careful. The novel coronavirus and its offshoots are far from gone.

And not everyone was vaccinated, especially younger children.

Parents want to give summer back to their children, but experts say the key is to do so in such a way that everyone stays healthy for the fall, winter, and the summers beyond.

“After an unusual and difficult year, families may be eager to jump in for some summer fun,” said Dr. Sara Huberman Carbone, a pediatrician at One Medical in Southern California, told Healthline. “I would encourage families to reintegrate their children into normal summer activities, including camps, sports, and family vacations. Since children under the age of 12 cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19, there are a few things to consider when planning the summer.

“Outdoor activities are less risky than indoor activities, with the added benefit of encouraging children to be physically active, which is especially important after a year or more of distance learning and extended screen time,” said Carbone.

Dr. Christina Johns, a pediatrician and senior medical advisor with statewide emergency supply chain PM Pediatrics, told Healthline that parents may need to be more involved in activities, even at game appointments.

“I would encourage some structured activity to minimize any potential initial awkward moments,” said Johns. “For the first game dates after the pandemic, I would also suggest that parents keep the game dates short. Shorter, structured game dates can create a positive experience that encourages both parties to do it all over again. “

After a year or more of isolation, children can experience social anxiety, and that’s natural, said Dr. Sara Siddiqui, a pediatrician at NYU Langone Huntington Medical Center in New York, opposite Healthline.

“There may be times when children need to get used to new behaviors, just like with certain behaviors during the pandemic,” Siddiqui said. “We should give them time to get used to the new settings and to make them comfortable. Start with smaller groups of one or two children in an area that is comfortable for the child. Give the children time to get to know each other again. “

Johns pointed out that the pandemic has claimed a greater percentage of some lives more than others.

“There may be toddlers who have had very limited social interactions in the past 16 months or so, which could make up half of their lives depending on their age,” said Johns. “These children are learning to deal with more than one person at a time for the first time, and it can be very stressful. Therefore, parents should watch and listen to their children carefully and work to identify the clues that indicate they are anxious or nervous. “

Parents should also watch out for travel this summer, Carbone said.

“Consider lower-risk options for children who have not yet been vaccinated,” she said. “Road trips are generally less of a risk than crowded airports. If you choose to fly, direct flights are less exposed than flights with stopovers. In terms of accommodation, camping or renting a vacation home, the risk is lower than in a busy resort. And when you visit family and friends, outdoor gatherings are safest. “

Another factor affecting kids this summer is changes in eating habits, said Dr. Danelle Fisher, chairman of pediatrics at the Providence Saint John Health Center in Santa Monica, California, opposite Healthline.

“Some children have suffered from food insecurity, and that’s tragic,” said Fisher. “Schools are often places where impoverished children have their only meals of the day. Other kids increased their snacks during distance learning while they were at home and the weight gain for some kids this year is real. “

Siddiqui said the lack of outdoor activities and an increase in sugary snacks, stress, and poor sleep habits all contributed to kids not being as healthy as they should.

“Children need encouragement and good behavior to keep eating healthy foods,” said Siddiqui. “A diet with fruit, vegetables, lean protein and plenty of water is important. I always advise moderation, not to try to eliminate certain foods, but to control the portions. “

source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/children-play-safely-this-summer-as-covid-19-eases/