A precautionary pandemic tale
It makes no difference if we’re talking to our children, our peers or our own parents — chances are that none of us has ever experienced a pandemic. To a certain extent, it reminds us of an earthquake. In an earthquake, everything is weaving back and forth. There is nothing to hold on to for stability because nothing within the affected area of the earthquake is stable. Outside the affected area, all is calm.
Not so with the coronavirus. The affected area is the entire world. We can’t move to a neighboring county or state or country to escape it. There is nothing to reach out and grab for security. In fact, touching anything is risky.
WE’RE SICK OF THIS VIRUS
Dad, due to the rarity of this catastrophic event, certainly there are lessons to be learned and conveyed to your kids. And we think you may be the only one who can set the right example for them. Remember this is a life-and-death proposition. You might be able to do some home schooling on civics and the common good.
THROW CAUTION TO AN ILL WIND
Americans are fickle people. Many who followed their governor’s orders and stayed home are now protesting in the street in front of the state capitol. They are tired of being obedient and cooped up. To heck with the risks. We demand that we open our stores, our businesses, our entertainment venues. We’re out of money and food.
Dad, suggest to your kids that this behavior isn’t smart. You can’t rebuild a future hooked up to a ventilator. Sure, we want to get back to work. Sure, we want to go out and socialize. But there’s got to be a smart balance.
BEACH PARTY ROULETTE
We see video of beach parties along the coasts. Earlier, there were accounts of young people insisting they would celebrate spring break come hell or high water: “I’m going to have my spring break!” “I’ve waited all year for this!”
Dad, these highspirited young people are not role models — although they may be high spirited in another sense.
WARNING: NO GUARD ON DUTY
› Son, are you sure you want to borrow that cellphone? It will rest a half-inch from your mouth. That could be a COVID-19 breeding ground.
› Duct tape in place of a mask is not a clever idea. Sure, it will stay in place on your face, but one sneeze and you’ll blow out your eardrums. And just try to eat a taco.
› Wearing plastic gloves is great protection for yourself. But don’t wear them all day. You’ll contaminate your family, your neighbors, the entire community.
› Wash those hands. Maybe wash the canned goods, the milk jug and the yogurt cups. No need to scrub the oranges, cucumbers, bananas or eggs … unless you crave peelings and shells. However, wash your hands again after you have peeled and shelled. Remove your duct tape, wash your hands again and chow down!
And keep your distance!
Tom Tozer and Bill Black are authors of “Dads2Dads: Tools for Raising Teenagers.” Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter at Dads2Dadsllc. Email them at tomandbill@ Dads2Dadsllc.com.