Please I need your advice. Should I let my 3-year–old toddler go to the day-care or it will be not safe?
Thanks
Answer
In this counseling answer:
Consider the following things; is not necessary for your toddler to go to day-care? Do you work and your child has to go? Could you make alternative work arrangements to work from home?
If you fear his lack of connection to other children, get together with parents of other children to encourage some level of social interaction.
If you choose to send your toddler make sure to use this time before schools to ensure to establish healthy hygiene routines.
Keep an eye for any symptoms they might have, as well as yourself and the moment you have any concerns, don’t be afraid to withdraw if necessary.
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh,
This is a difficult decision that all parents are facing right now as the new school year begins.
New normal
After having been off school for nearly 6 months a ‘new normal’ has been established that we have become quite used to by now.
As a result, there are the added anxieties around facing new changes in going back to school. But going back to school in a different way to what anyone has ever been used to in recent times.
Beyond this, this is the obvious anxiety that comes with the risk of infection from a virus that has caused so much death and destruction globally.
Naturally, this makes the decision-making process amidst such anxieties incredibly difficult on so many levels. And the situation will be different from family to family. Which is depending on where you live, health issues, the family set up… etc..
Your circumstances / alternatives
To help you to make the decision that is best in your individual circumstances, consider the following things; is not necessary for your toddler to go to day-care?
I.e. Do you work and your child has to go? If so, are their alternatives in case you are worried about your child’s safety?
Could you make alternative work arrangements to work from home? Or if not, is there a close friend or family member who could mind your child whilst you are at work?
If it is not necessary for them to go to daycare, but you fear their lack of connection to other children, you could are age small get-togethers with parents of other children to encourage some level of social interaction and to be with other toddlers their age.
Enough Precautions?
If you are comfortable sending your toddler to daycare, what measures have they taken to keep the center safe from the virus and protect the children who attend?
Do you feel they have done enough and are they keeping parents up to date and informed?
Check out this counseling video
If you choose to send your toddler make sure to use this time before schools. And ensure to establish healthy hygiene routines so it becomes more natural to them when they do return.
Encouraging regular handwashing procedures can help protect them and others in the daycare.
Keep an eye for any symptoms they might have, as well as yourself and the moment you have any concerns, don’t be afraid to withdraw if necessary.
Consider the pros and cons of your options in your own personal circumstances and take the matter to Allah.
May He keep you and your family safe always and may He guide you to do what is best for you and your toddler.
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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.
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