The week's best parenting advice: October 19, 2021

COVID exposure in kids, TikTok and tics in teens, and more

A school sign.
(Image credit: Illustrated | iStock)

1. When your kid is a COVID contact

With school back in session and COVID-19 still circulating, there's a decent chance your child will be exposed to the virus in the classroom. That might seem like a scary reality, but accepting it means you can prepare for it. Have a backup plan for things like childcare and remote work, so everyone — including your child — knows what to expect. "Reviewing these plans with your child may help them feel a sense that things are under control," writes Perri Klass, M.D., at The New York Times. Be frank with your kiddo about the possibility of exposure, and normalize any feelings they have about missing school. Remember that, especially for older children, "it may not be the worry of getting sick, it may be the worry of missing tryouts for that sports team," psychologist Melissa Cousino tells the Times. If your child is especially fearful of getting ill, remind them that "for the most part, children have only mild illness with COVID-19, if they have any symptoms at all," Klass says.

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Jessica Hullinger

Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.