Are the reported rise in speech-delays due to masked daycare caregivers making you rethink daycare?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, the children most at risk from covid are ages 0-4. I would take a minor speech delay over this any day.

My child had a speech delay 15 years ago. He didn't speak till he was 2.5. Not only did he "survive," he thrived. He is on the debate team and Model UN now.

People acting like speech delays are worse than illness remind me of the folks who don't vaccinate because they are afraid of autism. Nonsensical and offensive.

You should consider withdrawing your kids from society entirely if you can’t tolerate the risk level that 0-4 kids are at right now. They are extremely low risk. Additionally, things like the flu and RSV are of comparable risk to that age group and we’ve been living with those forever.

More likely it is that you just do not understand risk calculations but either way, you’re incorrect here. People are rightfully concerned about possible inadvertent effects of overusing masks.

[Anonymous]

To answer the question, I am keeping my two kids in daycare but if off-ramps aren’t announced in the next couple months then I’ll start making other plans, OP, if daycare works for you and you like the center, you might want to ask a few questions on this topic to get a feel for how in touch the director is on this topic, how they plan to make these decisions, etc. if they seem too conservative then maybe don’t start there.

[Anonymous]

The delays in getting testing or services is mostly because of the same reasons there are back ups for many types of medical appointments. I work in the field and therapists have big scheduling delays because of all the people who put off seeing someone during the pandemic and because of the same workforce issues seen in other service fields. There is no evidence yet that there are more speech delays from masks.

[Anonymous]

PS, I’ve commented on this topic elsewhere and have been concerned about this for months but have heard no concrete data either way. It will 100% not surprise me if data comes out later confirming an uptick I’m speech issues or issues recognizing emotions. I also worry about abnormal immune development, increase in allergies, etc. heck, we may even see more asthma due to having dirty masks on constantly and inhaling whatever yuck accumulates on them. I know my toddlers masks are filthy at the end of the day. All of these are reasons I want to see masking off ramps announced: not because I have proof that any of these are real problems, but because the longer we subject kids to something that is not part of the course of normal development, the more likely it is we start to see some kind of effect.

I really don’t want to incite panic with my examples. I just want people to think about the potential for negative effects and think critically about whether they can tolerate some extremely small known risks of Covid instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, the children most at risk from covid are ages 0-4. I would take a minor speech delay over this any day.

My child had a speech delay 15 years ago. He didn't speak till he was 2.5. Not only did he "survive," he thrived. He is on the debate team and Model UN now.

People acting like speech delays are worse than illness remind me of the folks who don't vaccinate because they are afraid of autism. Nonsensical and offensive.

You should consider withdrawing your kids from society entirely if you can’t tolerate the risk level that 0-4 kids are at right now. They are extremely low risk. Additionally, things like the flu and RSV are of comparable risk to that age group and we’ve been living with those forever.

More likely it is that you just do not understand risk calculations but either way, you’re incorrect here. People are rightfully concerned about possible inadvertent effects of overusing masks.

You are entirely missing the point. Talking at 2.5 is no big deal compared to my kid BUT, this poster is 100% right and my kid is also doing great. Some kids just talk later.

I think you need to be very cautious with kids unlike that poster as its not just the risk to kids but the entire family. However, this isn't causing speech delays as much as people are saying. Kids talk when they are ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PS, I’ve commented on this topic elsewhere and have been concerned about this for months but have heard no concrete data either way. It will 100% not surprise me if data comes out later confirming an uptick I’m speech issues or issues recognizing emotions. I also worry about abnormal immune development, increase in allergies, etc. heck, we may even see more asthma due to having dirty masks on constantly and inhaling whatever yuck accumulates on them. I know my toddlers masks are filthy at the end of the day. All of these are reasons I want to see masking off ramps announced: not because I have proof that any of these are real problems, but because the longer we subject kids to something that is not part of the course of normal development, the more likely it is we start to see some kind of effect.

I really don’t want to incite panic with my examples. I just want people to think about the potential for negative effects and think critically about whether they can tolerate some extremely small known risks of Covid instead.

You sound terribly dramatic. We aren't seeing proof of this. Send your toddler with multiple masks a day so they can be swapped out. Simple.

[Anonymous]

I just don’t understand why people are jumping to dismiss this possibility. You are masking two year olds without any clear data that it is reducing cases in daycares, so why are you so quick to dismiss other concerns without concrete data.

It makes me really sad that if you even raise the topic of masking two year olds, you’re jumped all over as a dramatic, terrible parent. Parents seeking assistance for speech- delayed toddlers has risen during the pandemic. That is a fact. Jury is still out on what is causing it (masks, isolation, attachment parenting, whatever). Why are you dismissing masks in daycare as one possible cause for some children? Because it’s easy to dismiss these kids when its not you kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PS, I’ve commented on this topic elsewhere and have been concerned about this for months but have heard no concrete data either way. It will 100% not surprise me if data comes out later confirming an uptick I’m speech issues or issues recognizing emotions. I also worry about abnormal immune development, increase in allergies, etc. heck, we may even see more asthma due to having dirty masks on constantly and inhaling whatever yuck accumulates on them. I know my toddlers masks are filthy at the end of the day. All of these are reasons I want to see masking off ramps announced: not because I have proof that any of these are real problems, but because the longer we subject kids to something that is not part of the course of normal development, the more likely it is we start to see some kind of effect.

I really don’t want to incite panic with my examples. I just want people to think about the potential for negative effects and think critically about whether they can tolerate some extremely small known risks of Covid instead.

You sound terribly dramatic. We aren't seeing proof of this. Send your toddler with multiple masks a day so they can be swapped out. Simple.

It feels the other way around to me. Other parents seem to over dramatize Covid risk and I am left wondering about unintended consequences for my own children. I think if the risk avoidance on Covid weren’t so extreme then we’d have a bit less drama overall.

My kids are small but I also worry about the behavioral and mental health consequences of Covid disruption for older kids as well. Those take longer to see, but they are so much scarier to me than Covid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PS, I’ve commented on this topic elsewhere and have been concerned about this for months but have heard no concrete data either way. It will 100% not surprise me if data comes out later confirming an uptick I’m speech issues or issues recognizing emotions. I also worry about abnormal immune development, increase in allergies, etc. heck, we may even see more asthma due to having dirty masks on constantly and inhaling whatever yuck accumulates on them. I know my toddlers masks are filthy at the end of the day. All of these are reasons I want to see masking off ramps announced: not because I have proof that any of these are real problems, but because the longer we subject kids to something that is not part of the course of normal development, the more likely it is we start to see some kind of effect.

I really don’t want to incite panic with my examples. I just want people to think about the potential for negative effects and think critically about whether they can tolerate some extremely small known risks of Covid instead.

You sound terribly dramatic. We aren't seeing proof of this. Send your toddler with multiple masks a day so they can be swapped out. Simple.

It feels the other way around to me. Other parents seem to over dramatize Covid risk and I am left wondering about unintended consequences for my own children. I think if the risk avoidance on Covid weren’t so extreme then we’d have a bit less drama overall.

My kids are small but I also worry about the behavioral and mental health consequences of Covid disruption for older kids as well. Those take longer to see, but they are so much scarier to me than Covid.

My kids are just fine. They learned how to act during a pandemic for the community good. How you handle things matters and the example you set.

Some kids just have speech issues, it is what it is. You help and get them help.

A slight delay and catching up by 2-3 is no big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just don’t understand why people are jumping to dismiss this possibility. You are masking two year olds without any clear data that it is reducing cases in daycares, so why are you so quick to dismiss other concerns without concrete data.

It makes me really sad that if you even raise the topic of masking two year olds, you’re jumped all over as a dramatic, terrible parent. Parents seeking assistance for speech- delayed toddlers has risen during the pandemic. That is a fact. Jury is still out on what is causing it (masks, isolation, attachment parenting, whatever). Why are you dismissing masks in daycare as one possible cause for some children? Because it’s easy to dismiss these kids when its not you kid?

Parents may just have more time to deal with it. I know many families that just ignored it to hope their kids caught up. Others even delayed school a year vs getting them help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve heard from various parents and on this forum and other forums that this is an issue in the infant care rooms. Babies can’t see mouths form words or facial expressions for at least eight of their daytime hours and it’s causing speech delays. Our baby has a place at a reputable daycare center next month (baby will be 2.5 months) but now I’m starting to reconsider sending him.

I could extend maternity leave and look for a nanny but the expense will definitely hurt us.

Anyone changing their childcare plans?

What are the statistics on this? Are you going to change your plans just based on hearsay? My child has been going to daycare all throughout the pandemic since I’ve been working in-person all along. In fact she’s on her third daycare since March 2020 since the others closed. She had a speech delay and only began talking at 30 months but that’s also due to a diagnosis of ASD. All the other kids in all her classes were talking normally.

[Anonymous]

I think this is a complicated question. To those insisting the pandemic has no effect, you suck. People who work in this field are seeing increased caseloads. The fact there is not a study on it goes to show that our society DGAF about early childhood development.

I think like many issues, some kids are more vulnerable than others. Many kids are developing within the range of normal. Could they be more advanced? Who knows. Many children are struggling, some of which would have struggled either way. Some may not have without the pandemic. Why? I think two big factors are more isolation, especially those kids being kept home and only seeing their parents. DD was a late talker. Her language exploded when she started back at daycare (with masked caregivers) after 5 months at home. Speech therapist said this is common.

I also think making kids wear masks has an effect. DD is now in a masked room for 2s, and she hasn't spoken at daycare since she moved to that room. Now, none of her classmates have had this issue. It's clear to us from her personality and family history that she has a vulnerability to anxiety (she's seeing a therapist). But the environment also plays a role, and masking is a part of that.

[Anonymous]

I also think a big issue for those struggling is difficulty accessing services. Early Intervention services in MoCo were all virtual for a while, and now they will flip to virtual for ANY symptom regardless of negative Covid test. That would effectively mean no in person services half the time because runny noses and coughs tend to linger. Lots of health professionals are overwhelmed with demand or have quit. If a child is having trouble at school, communication with teachers is very hard, often limited to email. These things make a difference when you are trying to help a truly struggling child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm keeping baby #3 (4 months old) for more reasons than this, but I'll share my experience of daycare/preschool for my DD (just turned 4).
She started Spanish-immersion preschool this fall.
I know that the mask wearing definitely has a negative effect on her Spanish language learning. She mispronounces so many words due to not seeing/hearing them clearly. Oh well. She's still learning a lot. But she tells me things like, "The opposite of feliz is sisde," I tell her it's "triste," and she argues no. It's often these same sounds she gets wrong. She can absolutely say those sounds and speak clearly. But she's not able to comprehend as what sounds the masked teachers are using - a lot of the sounds are more garbled.

My 5 year old is in a 50/50 Spanish kindergarten and at Halloween came home asking what "Abuja" meant. Finally figured out he meant "la bruja". It also took me weeks to figure out he was asking what "no pasa nada" meant- he kept saying something completely garbled. Many other examples but that's those are the ones I can recall at the moment. I agree the masks muffle the sounds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PS, I’ve commented on this topic elsewhere and have been concerned about this for months but have heard no concrete data either way. It will 100% not surprise me if data comes out later confirming an uptick I’m speech issues or issues recognizing emotions. I also worry about abnormal immune development, increase in allergies, etc. heck, we may even see more asthma due to having dirty masks on constantly and inhaling whatever yuck accumulates on them. I know my toddlers masks are filthy at the end of the day. All of these are reasons I want to see masking off ramps announced: not because I have proof that any of these are real problems, but because the longer we subject kids to something that is not part of the course of normal development, the more likely it is we start to see some kind of effect.

I really don’t want to incite panic with my examples. I just want people to think about the potential for negative effects and think critically about whether they can tolerate some extremely small known risks of Covid instead.

You sound terribly dramatic. We aren't seeing proof of this. Send your toddler with multiple masks a day so they can be swapped out. Simple.

We are r seeing proof that masks on toddlers in daycare settings is making any difference in community transmission rates. So why bother?