Putting the needs of children first during crisis–March 13, 2020

 

 

 

 

The needs of kids should come first

Whether your child has watched “Outbreak” or “Zombie Apocalypse” on TV or not, they know the theme. In school yards they re-enact the scenes and are saved from certain death when recess is over.  To some children swept up in the game, it can almost feel like the pretend zombies are coming to life, multiplying and getting stronger every day. 

While COVID-19 is not taking a heavy physical toll on kids, we can be sure it’s infecting their minds. 

We can combat that aspect of this outbreak by being calm and expressing confidence in the response to this public health emergency.  Although there is much to criticize about current containment efforts, those discussions should take place after they are asleep. 

Your preparedness checklist likely includes stocking up on groceries and filling up your car with gas.  Add to that list spending time with children and talking with them about what’s going.  This virus’ invisible impact on our children can be mitigated by spending time with them and giving them plenty of space to ask questions and express their fears.  Listen to them and assure them that we will get through this and things will be okay. Do things with your child to help others and point out the myriad of new policies being put in place in Pennsylvania and locally to protect our health.  

In Montgomery County, the region hardest hit thus far by COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, County Commissioners Chairwoman Val Arkoosh, a doctor, moved decisively to inform residents of known incidents of infections and, more importantly, what actions the county is taking and what actions residents should take to protect themselves and each other during this critical period meant to slow down the further spread of the virus.

“Our goal here is to flatten the curve,” Arkoosh said. To that end, all of Montgomery County is working hand in glove with the Governor to slow down the infection rate by closing schools and large venues and increasing access to testing.

Clear and unambiguous, the message reached the largest possible audience and Montco families knew exactly where they stood, that they all stood there together, and, despite the short notice, they knew what to prepare for.     

Instability and uncertainty are endemic to crises.  Philadelphia didn’t show so well.  In a span of 24 hours the official policy went from no school closures to every school closed. 

Such rapid turnabouts are felt profoundly and can taint the delicate trust afforded those in charge for the duration. To our children, the message is that the adults in charge aren’t on the same page. During a crisis, that makes everyone scared. 

As researchers hunt for a vaccine, the government will have to make dozens of decisions every hour to deal with the consequences of its spread.  Here’s our big idea (its astoundingly simple): Wherever and whenever major COVID-19 decisions are being made, in government or the board room, there should be a designated point person whose job it is to consider the implications on children and make sure the policies and supports they need are put in place. 

The chaotic response to COVID-19 by the federal government may have had a trickle down effect, leaving local governments, corporations, and major, organizations scrambling. But it’s not too late. They should all designate someone now, an embedded child advocate that compels due consideration of the implications of any decisions to prevent an avoidable crisis for our kids.

Wash your hands.

Social distancing protects us all.

Be a kind, thoughtful neighbor.

 

The Trump administration will kick thousands off food stamps despite coronavirus pandemic.

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PA schools may be closed but no cost meals for low-income children will still be available offsite, according to the Dept. of Education. Parents are urged to contact their schools.

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PA’s Medicaid and CHIP programs will cover COVID-19 testing and treatment and some pre-authorizations will be lifted: Governor Wolf. Learn More