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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both of my middle schoolers independently gave essentially the same response when I told them they didn’t have to wear masks at school anymore:

“I’m still going to wear a mask because I like people not being able to see my face.”

“I’m still going to wear a mask because I don’t want people to see my face.”

My 8th grader said a variant of the same thing: "I'm a mask fisher."

My 6th grader said barely anyone took their masks off and the ones who did were boys. So she didn't want to take hers off either.

[Anonymous]

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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

Causation <> correlation.

There are several schools in the state that are NOT on that list. MoCo has one of the highest vaxx rate. Maybe that's also the reason why we're doing better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both of my middle schoolers independently gave essentially the same response when I told them they didn’t have to wear masks at school anymore:

“I’m still going to wear a mask because I like people not being able to see my face.”

“I’m still going to wear a mask because I don’t want people to see my face.”

My 8th grader said a variant of the same thing: "I'm a mask fisher."

My 6th grader said barely anyone took their masks off and the ones who did were boys. So she didn't want to take hers off either.

I said earlier.. it's hive mind, and the kids are just so used to it. MSer especially don't want to be singled out.

[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?"

HAHAHAHA - you nailed them good!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both of my middle schoolers independently gave essentially the same response when I told them they didn’t have to wear masks at school anymore:

“I’m still going to wear a mask because I like people not being able to see my face.”

“I’m still going to wear a mask because I don’t want people to see my face.”

My 8th grader said a variant of the same thing: "I'm a mask fisher."

My 6th grader said barely anyone took their masks off and the ones who did were boys. So she didn't want to take hers off either.

I said earlier.. it's hive mind, and the kids are just so used to it. MSer especially don't want to be singled out.

My 6th grader told me many of the less bright students were maskless maybe 30% of their grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I said in the other thread that it's more likely kids will be bullied for not wearing a mask than wearing one. This is MoCo, after all.

Yep.

My kid wanted to not wear a mask this morning. She wears glasses and they always fog up. We said it was her choice.

She texted me that she ended up wearing a mask because everyone else was still masked. And that she felt awkward.

Hopefully it changes over time so that kids (and adults) really DO have a choice.

She DID have a choice. She felt awkward because everyone else was still masked, but she had a choice. She just wasn't comfortable with her initial choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How I am handling it:

I let my middle schooler make her own choices about masks.
If my child is bullied I take it up with the administration.
I don't freak out about "insanity", "fear", "bullying" etc.

What does bullying even mean to you? Bus stop thugs beating up your kid because he's wearing a mask? Or words of disagreement and disapproval? Not that I'd want the latter for my kid, either. But JFC teach your kid to have a back bone and stand up for himself, even as you talk to the school if you need support.

Honestly, sounds like you are fantasizing some kind of persecution complex.

It sounds like OP wants to pressure and bully her kid into dropping the mask and make fun of people who continue to mask.

[Anonymous]

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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?

The way your wizened, bald little face lights up is a joy to behold. Probably. For someone who likes wizened bald little men.

[Anonymous]

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.

Their choice! Haha. You should write for the onion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I encouraged my middle schooler to ditch the mask and she said people who unmask are idiots because it is too early and there is still a global pandemic.

Seems like a reasonable position to me, though I'd prefer that she unmask. It's been a rough year and it would be very slightly better if people could see her nice smile and she could speak more easily.

Such a weird thing to say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I encouraged my middle schooler to ditch the mask and she said people who unmask are idiots because it is too early and there is still a global pandemic.

Seems like a reasonable position to me, though I'd prefer that she unmask. It's been a rough year and it would be very slightly better if people could see her nice smile and she could speak more easily.

Such a weird thing to say.

In case this goes over your head.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/05/22/men-telling-women-smile/

100% sure no parents of sons say they want masks off so they can see their boys smile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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?

The way your wizened, bald little face lights up is a joy to behold. Probably. For someone who likes wizened bald little men.

More! Insult our inadequacies in concert with great proclamations of your intellectual superiority.

[Anonymous]

It’s depressing what sheep these kids are. Barely any took their masks off. Sheep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I encouraged my middle schooler to ditch the mask and she said people who unmask are idiots because it is too early and there is still a global pandemic.

Seems like a reasonable position to me, though I'd prefer that she unmask. It's been a rough year and it would be very slightly better if people could see her nice smile and she could speak more easily.

Such a weird thing to say.

Really weird. If your kid is having a rough year at school, maybe find them a better fitting school for next year or find other ways to make it better. Unmasking will not fix this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I encouraged my middle schooler to ditch the mask and she said people who unmask are idiots because it is too early and there is still a global pandemic.

Seems like a reasonable position to me, though I'd prefer that she unmask. It's been a rough year and it would be very slightly better if people could see her nice smile and she could speak more easily.

Such a weird thing to say.

Really weird. If your kid is having a rough year at school, maybe find them a better fitting school for next year or find other ways to make it better. Unmasking will not fix this.

Yes, let's just find Larla a "better fitting school". Ok, Karen.