Marilyn Venvenutti

According to the most recent statistics from Our World in Data, at the time of this blog post, over 171 million vaccination doses have been administered.  This count refers to the total single doses given and does not break down the doses for people who received multiple doses. 

Currently, there are three recommended vaccines available in the United States that are authorized to prevent COVID-19.  The three are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen.  Clinical trial settings have proven that all three vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19.  All three vaccines when administered help to protect people from getting sick with COVID-19 and or causing people around them to become infected.

After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the body to build up protection.  If the body has not built up complete protection, it is possible for some people to still get sick.  According to the CDC, being vaccinated can help people from getting seriously ill.  This is based on their clinical studies.  

People who have been vaccinated can start to do things they were not able to do because of the pandemic but are advised to still take the necessary precautions.  They should still wear a mask, keep 6 feet apart distance, and avoid large crowds.  Another thing that a fully vaccinated person can do is to visit the homes of other people who are fully vaccinated without a mask.  A vaccinated person can also travel domestically without quarantining after travel.  Vaccinated people should still avoid medium or large crowd gatherings.

The CDC also advises that until there are more facts known about this pandemic, vaccinated people should still take as many precautions as recommended to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a life-changing situation for children, but it is also creating stressors for couples.  Relationships are struggling to hold the bond together while dealing with the many pressures accumulated by the pandemic.  Some of the pressures are financial hardships created by the lack of work during the pandemic, spending too much time together while sheltering in place, and school-age children home with remote learning.  These are just a few situations couples are faced with that have caused them to separate and, in some cases, even divorce. 

A survey taken of 300 couples by the demographic tool Lucid, found that 41 percent of them think that COVID-19 is likely to increase arguments, and 35 percent think it is likely to increase divorce rates.  Another indication of the impact the pandemic is having on couples is that the website called Legal Templates, which provides legal documents for sale and free, showed a 57 percent increase in interest for separation documents from February to April of 2020.  Other data is showing that couples in southern states and couples married less than five years with children under 18, are seeking divorce documents more than usual.

There are many ways in which couples can manage their relationship and prevent separations that could end in divorce.   Here are a few of them.

• Couples should identify and acknowledge that there is a problem before things get out of hand.
• Maintain healthy space from each other and take time for a personal connection with oneself.
• Be sensitive and understanding that your mate is going through the same thing that you are experiencing.
• Try to set up an intentional time together to be playful, listen to music, go for long walks, and planning special menus for dinner together.
• After a disagreement, forgive quickly so as not to hold onto anger and revengeful behavior.
• Talk to other couples for suggestions as to how they are coping.
• Seek virtual therapy if necessary.

Putting these suggestions into practice and any others that are available can help couples to survive and still be together after the pandemic is over.

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/pandemic-marriage-problems.html

https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/strengthen-couples-relationships

Children and teens are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways.  In addition to ruining their school year, it has also taken a toll on their peer socialization, emotional and anxiety levels, and their disconnection with family and loved ones.  Parents need to keep a watchful eye on any new and changing developments in their children’s behavior during this time.  Children and teens typically react in the way they see their parents and other adults they trust to respond to situations.  A significant difference can be made in the way they cope during these times if parents stay calm and implement helpful routines and regiments in the home to make them feel secure.

One of the things parents must do early on is finding out what their children already know.  Parents can then advise the details that are safe for them to know and reassure them that they are in safe hands and are being protected.  This is most important in the case of teens since they have access to social media, news outlets, and misinformation.  Parents need to be mindful of what younger children hear or see on television and radio.  They can misinterpret what they have already heard and become frightened by it.

Another equally serious matter to address besides finding out what they know is the issue of anxiety and depression.  Being socially disconnected from family and peers can create a variety of emotions.  In some cases, teens and children may experience burnout and exhaustion and become mentally and emotionally depleted.  Some of the behaviors to watch for are:

• Excessive sadness or lack of motivation
• Poor class participation and not doing assignments.
• Shutting down in their room and excessive sleeping
• Irritability and acting out, especially in teens.
• Crying when it is time to do schoolwork, especially small children.
• Poor eating habits

If any of these changes in behavior occur it is very important to act quickly so that matters do not get worse.  Especially since we have no idea how long this pandemic will last.  Some ways parents can support their children is by planning fun activities and family time on days that there is no school such as playing board games, playing music, or telling jokes.  Allow them to have Zoom or FaceTime gatherings with their family and friends.  If they are still not coping it will be a good idea to seek outside professional help.  For additional assistance, the following website may be helpful.   https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/#coping