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DD had two eye appointments today so it wasn't worth dropping off twins at school and heading back home. Just brought all kids in at once.

That meant two hours between start of school and eye appointments then another two hours before picking up twins after appointments.

(Its a 35 minute trip home and then back so not worth the time or gas to drive back and forth)

Brought the older kids to a park in town. Awesome park. Has a splash pad. Huge swings and climber.

They love it and we were the only people here in the morning.

After the appointments we came back to a busy park. Not packed but theres people here now.

DS said he is afraid to be around anyone because he cannot get vaccinated.

DD doesnt want to be near people either even with her first shot.

Its not like they are up in peoples faces. Everyone is still maintaining distance and my kids have masks. But they are very hesitant to go play.

DD also said shes not comfortable because there could be kidnappers around, listening to much online about the sex trafficking stuff... its good to be aware and informed and know what to do but now my kids just seem scared all the time.

With things opening up more and things going back to the old normal ways, how do you help your kids feel safe?

When i was growing up i was out playing with my friends until the street lights came on. No adults watching us every second. I havent been a helicopter parent, i have let the kids go play but maybe I've been to protective?

Hey Dragn,

This sucks so hard for everyone, especially the children. 4 of my 5 grandkids are dealing with pretty bad anxiety (the 5-year-old is kinda oblivious to all this as she was in a daycare/preschool setting - no virtual learning for her).

Being a recluse in general can have terrible psychological impacts - it's like solitary confinement. Couple that with virtual learning/working where you "socialize" with people on a computer screen with no physical interaction whatsoever outside of your home.

Fear is a real thing and for good reason - because COVID has also, IMO, made some people lose their f'ing minds! Yes, the whackjobs were here pre-COVID, but it seems worse.

I'm sorry your 'lil dragons are hurting. Are there any counseling resources for them so they can be slowly introduced into the "real" world without it being so traumatic?

Im not sure what services are available. I know DS has seen someone IN school to help him cope with getting angry, although his anger is justified being picked on non friggin stop...

Dd said she preferred online learning because she wasn't teased by the girls and harrassed by the boys at school. Bullying is a big issue that i am hoping the new principal will deal with more harshly.

Add covid and the fear of getting sick and dying and they just want to stay home.

Also dd is very upset with the news that her sight is worsening and she now is getting special (bloody expensive) lenses to help slow it down.

Shes now a teen and its like pulling teeth to get her out of bed and her room these days. She just watches videos on her phone, makes origami or reads.

DS went back and played in the park while dd sat in the van on her phone. He eventually talked to other kids.

I think going back to school will be good for them. I just heard the back to school plan, much like last year with masks, cohorting with ones class, social distancing etc. They did say to prepare for it all to go back to virtual learning if the numbers jump back up and a fourth wave hits.

I have always let the kids play with friends when possible. Covid put a stop to that. Hopefully this coming year will get better.

Theres such a difference between the older kids and the twins.

Twins are in summer school and doing really well. They love it. They aren't anxious or upset to go.