Grumbles from the Pulpit 2

It's Child's Play, Minister

Question Will the Minister explain what assessment was made of the risk factors in terms of exempting children under the age of 3, versus children under the age of 5, in the restrictions on gatherings?

Minister for Health Answer The risk factors considered were that, in broad terms, many children under 3 years of age are less independently mobile than children aged 4 to 5 years, making it easier for parents / carers to ensure safe distancing between the child and others. Furthermore, children aged 4 and 5 years old are more likely to use the toilet independently of parents / carers, which potentially increases the risk of poor hand hygiene. Clearly this can vary from child to child.

Where on earth did they get this notion from? Most children are able to walk alone by 11-15 months.

Kid's Health notes that:

Toddlers — it's hard to imagine a more fitting name for this stage of development. Between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers are literally scooting away from babyhood in search of new adventures. They're learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For many in this age group, "outside" and "play" are becoming common requests. As a parent, you're focused on keeping your little one safe. Supervision and safety precautions, such as gates and electrical outlet covers, are important.

Less independently mobile? It doesn't sound like it.

There are various news stories which are easy to find on google about two year olds wandering off and these demonstrate clearly, the notion that children under three years of age are "less independently mobile" and - without adequate understanding - can understand "social distancing" is a chimera.

A BBC report highlighted the issues - and this is with a six year old's understanding!

Lara Crisp, editor of the grandparents' social networking website Gransnet, said users of the site had been expressing concerns about how the changes will work.
"One grandmother said to me that she had recently met with her six-year-old granddaughter who just couldn't get the social distancing," she said.
"She wanted to hold her hand and help her climb a tree.
"It ended up with the grandchild bursting into tears, upset and confused at what was happening.
"Many older children get it, but for younger children it is hard."

So how is a two year old to be taught to behave at a gathering?

That's not to say they can't be taught about social distancing. Help is at hand! But the Minister should be aware of the difficulties.

How do you explain social distancing to a 2-year-old girl who just wants to hug her grandparents?

Benjamin Lindquist, MD, a Stanford clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine, gave it a try when he brought his daughter Kiley to see relatives soon after the COVID-19 outbreak began.

To help other parents in the same situation, he wrote a children's book entitled I Love You When You're Close and When You're Far Away. Lindquist is donating proceeds to GetUsPPE.org, a group that is collecting personal protective equipment for health care workers during the pandemic.

But as far as gatherings go, the Health Minister should meet some two year old toddlers and see just how independent they are! We really could do without this nonsense. And instead of that, perhaps give out some advice on how to keep toddlers - who are very independent and pushing boundaries all the time - can be kept safer.

References:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/exploring.html.
https://www.ibtimes.com/2-year-old-child-found-wandering-unsupervised-louisiana-mother-didnt-notice-missing-2982590
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52851927
https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/social-distancing-through-the-eyes-of-a-toddler/