Letter: Managing pandemic stresses essential for kids

By Letter to the Editor on August 18, 2021.

Dear editor,

As a parent and pediatrician for the last few decades in southern Alberta, I want to invite parents and guardians to consider what children need in order to thrive during this time when the COVID-19 delta virus is surging.

Children and teens need a healthy, stress-managed and safe environment for them to learn and develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. They need social interaction and education in an environment where they feel safe and secure. They also need their parents/guardians to be healthy and available as role models and as essential sources of support.

In my view, one of the best things you can do for the sake of your children is to wisely manage the stresses that have come along with this pandemic. Model healthy hygiene, nutrition, sleep habits and stress management skills for your children. Seek out reliable information that allows you to make informed decisions. The scientific evidence so far has been clear: vaccines against COVID-19 have proven to be safe and effective.

Moreover, as many as 20% of adults infected with COVID suffer long-term consequences, and the risks of severe outcomes from infection are genuine in all age groups. Although children under 12 cannot yet be vaccinated, you can protect them and yourself by getting a full course of the vaccine.

We need to ensure we provide children with a safe home and community environment so they can learn, socialize, and develop to their best potential. It’s our responsibility to our children to give them an optimal environment to thrive.

Charlotte Foulston

Medicine Hat

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