Anonymous wrote:My son was born several months before the pandemic hit and just as he was about to start daycare, everything closed. Since then, he has been at home cared for by his parents or grandma.
This lack of socialization concerns me, as does my punctuated work day, and I feel like he should start daycare soon. But I need someone to give it to me straight about what daycare is like these days (we would choose an in-home provider, we have found several we like so far). The providers, as well as older children, all wear masks from what I gather, is this right? Long-term are we worried about children at the cusp of learning to speak not being able to see mouths form words all day long? (Yes, I wear masks and believe in science, just wondering what this means from a child development perceptive).
What happens when the child cries -- are they able to hold and comfort them as they used to? Are the children playing together? One provider told me "social distancing norms are in effect," what does that look like in reality?
Of course I am discussing this issue with potential providers, too, but I would like to hear an honest take from some parents about what daycare (particularly in-homes) are like now, versus prior to the pandemic.
My professional opinion as a child care provider is that your infant is better off with grandmother at least until the summertime when most people have their vaccines. Daycare is safe, and if it is an issue of mental health for you or grandmother, then you should feel confident that he will be safe in a daycare setting even during Covid times.