Concerned About My Son — Answers for Me

I am concerned about my son during this pandemic. Oh he’s totally unaware of what is going on and is as happy as can be riding his Cozy Coupe around the neighborhood and running around in parks.

But at 15 months old, he hasn’t had any real socialization with kids his age. He’s the only child so far, and he spends his days at his grandparent’s house while my husband and I work. During this quarantine, his best friends are Mr. Vacuum and Ms. Broom. Hilarious, but not the kind of first friends a parent envisions for her child.

Back in March, with the warm weather on the horizon, our plan was to get him interacting with more kids. Now, though, if he gets too close to kids playing, I have to snatch him up in order to keep our social distance. He’s fine and moves on to the next thing, but my heart breaks for him.

And now with no end in sight, I wonder what the summer months hold.

I am a teacher, and this was supposed to be our summer of fun. We had it all mapped out. Neighborhood pool with popsicles dripping down our faces trips. Storytime at the library as Mom and son both make friends under the bubble machine. Visits to the local children’s museum on too hot days and sweaty outings to the zoo where the kids fall asleep on the way home. Swim lessons in the morning, and playdates with friends’ children in…