Middle Schooler - Scared to Unmask for fear of bullying - mask fishing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is just insane to me and everywhere i look it seems MCPS is writing about those that choose to keep their masks on getting bullied. How can we encourage our kids to ditch the mask as it is really just a security blanket or fear of being different? How are you all handling? Lead don't just wait for everyone else to come around.

At our school the bullies are the ones without masks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is just insane to me and everywhere i look it seems MCPS is writing about those that choose to keep their masks on getting bullied. How can we encourage our kids to ditch the mask as it is really just a security blanket or fear of being different? How are you all handling? Lead don't just wait for everyone else to come around.

"Alexa, how can I write a new post about how horrible people who mask are to sow more disinformation as per my promise to Corey without sounding too calculated? I know? I will phrase it as a series of questions? Run it though Google translate a few times so it doesn't look polished? Does that sound good? Can you help me with that, Alexa? ALEXA?"

Yep!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is just insane to me and everywhere i look it seems MCPS is writing about those that choose to keep their masks on getting bullied. How can we encourage our kids to ditch the mask as it is really just a security blanket or fear of being different? How are you all handling? Lead don't just wait for everyone else to come around.

At our school the bullies are the ones without masks.

Sure they are.

[Anonymous]

My kid will continue to mask as they have common sense. If they are bullied by yours we will deal with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't know who Kara and Tracy are honestly no clue. I have not texted my kids but am hopeful that they were able to let people see their smiles today. I simply want them to be comfortable with who they are and show their faces now that they can. They should not feel intimidated that is all I am saying. I am hopeful that with time they will ditch them all together.

This is not the big deal you are making it out to be. They can do what they want; they can choose to feel "intimidated", they can mask or unmask. This is a good time for them to learn you can't control the behavior of other people. Only your own behavior and reactions.

OP again - I understand that. Was looking for input on how other parents are guiding their kids in the conversation. Tools for explaining that although everyone has told you that this is something you have to do now you don't. Or why are you worried about what others might say? Stand up for what makes sense to you and lead by example. That is all.

OP, I'm the PP with elementary kids. DH and I explained to our kids the evidence related to masking, and also current local case rates, vaccine status, and Paxlovid availability (appropriately for their different ages). We listened to what concerns they might have about what others might say to them. We emphasized that, ultimately, it's their choice.

We also pointed out that, including ours, the four families we know are sending their kids unmasked comprise parents who work at various federal science agencies and/or conduct STEM research. In our household, we believe that science matters, that mental health is health, that we can adjust our behavior as we gather new data, and, perhaps most importantly, that very few issues are as black and white as they might appear.

Holy sanctimonious!

Caring about science and mental health is sanctimonious? Got it. I'll remember that the next time you bleat that you keep your mask on because you "care" about others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't know who Kara and Tracy are honestly no clue. I have not texted my kids but am hopeful that they were able to let people see their smiles today. I simply want them to be comfortable with who they are and show their faces now that they can. They should not feel intimidated that is all I am saying. I am hopeful that with time they will ditch them all together.

This is not the big deal you are making it out to be. They can do what they want; they can choose to feel "intimidated", they can mask or unmask. This is a good time for them to learn you can't control the behavior of other people. Only your own behavior and reactions.

OP again - I understand that. Was looking for input on how other parents are guiding their kids in the conversation. Tools for explaining that although everyone has told you that this is something you have to do now you don't. Or why are you worried about what others might say? Stand up for what makes sense to you and lead by example. That is all.

OP, I'm the PP with elementary kids. DH and I explained to our kids the evidence related to masking, and also current local case rates, vaccine status, and Paxlovid availability (appropriately for their different ages). We listened to what concerns they might have about what others might say to them. We emphasized that, ultimately, it's their choice.

We also pointed out that, including ours, the four families we know are sending their kids unmasked comprise parents who work at various federal science agencies and/or conduct STEM research. In our household, we believe that science matters, that mental health is health, that we can adjust our behavior as we gather new data, and, perhaps most importantly, that very few issues are as black and white as they might appear.

Holy sanctimonious!

Op asked. Pp answered.

[Anonymous]

DD reports everyone but a couple kids wore masks. NBD. No one cared that they were unmasked, according to DD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't know who Kara and Tracy are honestly no clue. I have not texted my kids but am hopeful that they were able to let people see their smiles today. I simply want them to be comfortable with who they are and show their faces now that they can. They should not feel intimidated that is all I am saying. I am hopeful that with time they will ditch them all together.

This is not the big deal you are making it out to be. They can do what they want; they can choose to feel "intimidated", they can mask or unmask. This is a good time for them to learn you can't control the behavior of other people. Only your own behavior and reactions.

OP again - I understand that. Was looking for input on how other parents are guiding their kids in the conversation. Tools for explaining that although everyone has told you that this is something you have to do now you don't. Or why are you worried about what others might say? Stand up for what makes sense to you and lead by example. That is all.

OP, I'm the PP with elementary kids. DH and I explained to our kids the evidence related to masking, and also current local case rates, vaccine status, and Paxlovid availability (appropriately for their different ages). We listened to what concerns they might have about what others might say to them. We emphasized that, ultimately, it's their choice.

We also pointed out that, including ours, the four families we know are sending their kids unmasked comprise parents who work at various federal science agencies and/or conduct STEM research. In our household, we believe that science matters, that mental health is health, that we can adjust our behavior as we gather new data, and, perhaps most importantly, that very few issues are as black and white as they might appear.

Holy sanctimonious!

Caring about science and mental health is sanctimonious? Got it. I'll remember that the next time you bleat that you keep your mask on because you "care" about others.

It was more in response to the whole idea that you think you know more than the rest of us because you work in a science-y government building and have a few buddies who are your echo chamber. I’m personally agnostic about the mask in school topic and can see both sides. You have clearly made up your mind and are blind to the fact that you really want your opinion to influence the choice your children make and you are judging those who still choose to mask. Was that too much bleating for you?

[Anonymous]

At our MS, 10 or 20% of kids were maskless and maybe a third of staff. One staffer wore in the halls between classes but not in classrooms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At our MS, 10 or 20% of kids were maskless and maybe a third of staff. One staffer wore in the halls between classes but not in classrooms.

I told DC feel free to go maskless, maybe except the jam packed hallways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't know who Kara and Tracy are honestly no clue. I have not texted my kids but am hopeful that they were able to let people see their smiles today. I simply want them to be comfortable with who they are and show their faces now that they can. They should not feel intimidated that is all I am saying. I am hopeful that with time they will ditch them all together.

This is not the big deal you are making it out to be. They can do what they want; they can choose to feel "intimidated", they can mask or unmask. This is a good time for them to learn you can't control the behavior of other people. Only your own behavior and reactions.

OP again - I understand that. Was looking for input on how other parents are guiding their kids in the conversation. Tools for explaining that although everyone has told you that this is something you have to do now you don't. Or why are you worried about what others might say? Stand up for what makes sense to you and lead by example. That is all.

OP, I'm the PP with elementary kids. DH and I explained to our kids the evidence related to masking, and also current local case rates, vaccine status, and Paxlovid availability (appropriately for their different ages). We listened to what concerns they might have about what others might say to them. We emphasized that, ultimately, it's their choice.

We also pointed out that, including ours, the four families we know are sending their kids unmasked comprise parents who work at various federal science agencies and/or conduct STEM research. In our household, we believe that science matters, that mental health is health, that we can adjust our behavior as we gather new data, and, perhaps most importantly, that very few issues are as black and white as they might appear.

Holy sanctimonious!

Caring about science and mental health is sanctimonious? Got it. I'll remember that the next time you bleat that you keep your mask on because you "care" about others.

It was more in response to the whole idea that you think you know more than the rest of us because you work in a science-y government building and have a few buddies who are your echo chamber. I’m personally agnostic about the mask in school topic and can see both sides. You have clearly made up your mind and are blind to the fact that you really want your opinion to influence the choice your children make and you are judging those who still choose to mask. Was that too much bleating for you?

LOL. Actually, given my education and expertise, I do know more than most people about COVID and public health and mental health. I should be embarrassed about that now? I should listen to people with zero relevant expertise over the CDC?

If people continue to still mask, that’s their business, and I’ll happily support them. What I won’t support is their claim to superiority, moral, public health, or otherwise. Most of the people carrying on have zero idea how complex this situation is, and how making COVID the sole public health priority is utterly untenable.

Bleat away. The people who actually have the knowledge and credentials to make policy aren’t listening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't know who Kara and Tracy are honestly no clue. I have not texted my kids but am hopeful that they were able to let people see their smiles today. I simply want them to be comfortable with who they are and show their faces now that they can. They should not feel intimidated that is all I am saying. I am hopeful that with time they will ditch them all together.

This is not the big deal you are making it out to be. They can do what they want; they can choose to feel "intimidated", they can mask or unmask. This is a good time for them to learn you can't control the behavior of other people. Only your own behavior and reactions.

OP again - I understand that. Was looking for input on how other parents are guiding their kids in the conversation. Tools for explaining that although everyone has told you that this is something you have to do now you don't. Or why are you worried about what others might say? Stand up for what makes sense to you and lead by example. That is all.

OP, I'm the PP with elementary kids. DH and I explained to our kids the evidence related to masking, and also current local case rates, vaccine status, and Paxlovid availability (appropriately for their different ages). We listened to what concerns they might have about what others might say to them. We emphasized that, ultimately, it's their choice.

We also pointed out that, including ours, the four families we know are sending their kids unmasked comprise parents who work at various federal science agencies and/or conduct STEM research. In our household, we believe that science matters, that mental health is health, that we can adjust our behavior as we gather new data, and, perhaps most importantly, that very few issues are as black and white as they might appear.

Holy sanctimonious!

Caring about science and mental health is sanctimonious? Got it. I'll remember that the next time you bleat that you keep your mask on because you "care" about others.

It was more in response to the whole idea that you think you know more than the rest of us because you work in a science-y government building and have a few buddies who are your echo chamber. I’m personally agnostic about the mask in school topic and can see both sides. You have clearly made up your mind and are blind to the fact that you really want your opinion to influence the choice your children make and you are judging those who still choose to mask. Was that too much bleating for you?

There's a crazy art major running around these parts who may be more your speed and have the scientific depth you're seeking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't know who Kara and Tracy are honestly no clue. I have not texted my kids but am hopeful that they were able to let people see their smiles today. I simply want them to be comfortable with who they are and show their faces now that they can. They should not feel intimidated that is all I am saying. I am hopeful that with time they will ditch them all together.

This is not the big deal you are making it out to be. They can do what they want; they can choose to feel "intimidated", they can mask or unmask. This is a good time for them to learn you can't control the behavior of other people. Only your own behavior and reactions.

OP again - I understand that. Was looking for input on how other parents are guiding their kids in the conversation. Tools for explaining that although everyone has told you that this is something you have to do now you don't. Or why are you worried about what others might say? Stand up for what makes sense to you and lead by example. That is all.

OP, I'm the PP with elementary kids. DH and I explained to our kids the evidence related to masking, and also current local case rates, vaccine status, and Paxlovid availability (appropriately for their different ages). We listened to what concerns they might have about what others might say to them. We emphasized that, ultimately, it's their choice.

We also pointed out that, including ours, the four families we know are sending their kids unmasked comprise parents who work at various federal science agencies and/or conduct STEM research. In our household, we believe that science matters, that mental health is health, that we can adjust our behavior as we gather new data, and, perhaps most importantly, that very few issues are as black and white as they might appear.

Holy sanctimonious!

Caring about science and mental health is sanctimonious? Got it. I'll remember that the next time you bleat that you keep your mask on because you "care" about others.

It was more in response to the whole idea that you think you know more than the rest of us because you work in a science-y government building and have a few buddies who are your echo chamber. I’m personally agnostic about the mask in school topic and can see both sides. You have clearly made up your mind and are blind to the fact that you really want your opinion to influence the choice your children make and you are judging those who still choose to mask. Was that too much bleating for you?

There's a crazy art major running around these parts who may be more your speed and have the scientific depth you're seeking.

Obviously, you enjoy humiliation, dude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I don't know who Kara and Tracy are honestly no clue. I have not texted my kids but am hopeful that they were able to let people see their smiles today. I simply want them to be comfortable with who they are and show their faces now that they can. They should not feel intimidated that is all I am saying. I am hopeful that with time they will ditch them all together.

This is not the big deal you are making it out to be. They can do what they want; they can choose to feel "intimidated", they can mask or unmask. This is a good time for them to learn you can't control the behavior of other people. Only your own behavior and reactions.

OP again - I understand that. Was looking for input on how other parents are guiding their kids in the conversation. Tools for explaining that although everyone has told you that this is something you have to do now you don't. Or why are you worried about what others might say? Stand up for what makes sense to you and lead by example. That is all.

OP, I'm the PP with elementary kids. DH and I explained to our kids the evidence related to masking, and also current local case rates, vaccine status, and Paxlovid availability (appropriately for their different ages). We listened to what concerns they might have about what others might say to them. We emphasized that, ultimately, it's their choice.

We also pointed out that, including ours, the four families we know are sending their kids unmasked comprise parents who work at various federal science agencies and/or conduct STEM research. In our household, we believe that science matters, that mental health is health, that we can adjust our behavior as we gather new data, and, perhaps most importantly, that very few issues are as black and white as they might appear.

Holy sanctimonious!

Caring about science and mental health is sanctimonious? Got it. I'll remember that the next time you bleat that you keep your mask on because you "care" about others.

It was more in response to the whole idea that you think you know more than the rest of us because you work in a science-y government building and have a few buddies who are your echo chamber. I’m personally agnostic about the mask in school topic and can see both sides. You have clearly made up your mind and are blind to the fact that you really want your opinion to influence the choice your children make and you are judging those who still choose to mask. Was that too much bleating for you?

There's a crazy art major running around these parts who may be more your speed and have the scientific depth you're seeking.

Obviously, you enjoy humiliation, dude.

Is it you? Are you back to regale us with some of your mad rantings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My three elementary schoolers were super excited not to wear masks today. They've dutifully worn them this whole time with nary a peep, but when DH and I told them that masks were no longer required yesterday, they whooped and cheered.

They got nervous this morning when they were among the very few kids to go unmasked at drop off, but we reminded them it was their choice. A few close friends of theirs are also foregoing the masks, which we reminded them of. We'll see how the first day goes.

I do think it's comical that people assume that kids will be targeted for wearing masks rather than not wearing them, when anyone not wearing a KN95 outside in our 'hood has been given laser eyes of death. Get real.

Can versus should are different things. There is nothing wrong with continuing to try to protect more medically vulnerable school personnel. Sorry if that bugs you so much. and yes, your privilege is showing. Glad your kids are emerging as different.

Grow up. If adults in this county have permission to go wherever they want unmasked, there is no credible reason why children should be forced to mask for six hours a day in school. None. I am ALL for wearing high quality masks when case counts are high, and before vaccines and Paxlovid were available. Right now, though, things are different.

But sure, keep recommending an intervention with little proven effectiveness, in children, and with real potential downsides, just so you can virtue signal about COVID. That you think it's the only public health outcome of worth is as telling as it is sad.

Have you looked at the Maryland School covid dashboard? MCPS was still masking and no schools on it. All the schools who are unmasked are on it.. that is pretty telling. https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/school-resources