FORT WORTH, Texas — After nine months of living in the new normal and now that a COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed, some parents are beginning to feel encouraged to resume certain family activities with their children.
The Huerta-Jimenez family of Fort Worth loves going to the Texas State Fair every year. It's where they start their birthday celebrations in October and create everlasting memories together.
“They've been the year before and they love it,” said Jessica Jimenez.
However, that tradition was not possible this year as the fair was canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.
"To let them know it's not gonna happen, it’s been pretty sad for them,” Jimenez about her children.
Out of an abundance of caution the family has avoided public outings and stayed home for the majority of the year. That changed recently. A small carnival in Fort Worth’s stockyards was the first opportunity they found fitting to enjoy some socially-distanced fun. They got a small taste of what they’ve been missing all year.
“We decided to venture out because we don't wanna have cabin fever where we are stuck inside the house and just not do anything 'cause they’re so used to being out and about, and to not have them experience that again, it’s just kinda difficult,” said Jimenez.
It was a carefully planned decision experienced child and teen development professionals agree with. UT Arlington’s Dr. Jandel Crutchfield says it’s important to help kids not only navigate this difficult time, but learn from their parents’ reactions to difficult situations.
“We’re gonna make the most of it instead of like this is happening to us and there is nothing we can do about it,” said Dr. Crutchfield.
Dr. Crutchfield adds that drastic changes such as being at home the majority of time and spending less time with peers suddenly this year can be hard on some children.
“We’ve actually seen that children are having some higher rates of depression, having some increased anxiety from being isolated from friends, and as long as this continues, you know, we’ll still have these types of issues in kids,” Dr. Crutchfield said.
Dr. Crutchfield advises parents to find ways to make children feel at ease with the current situation, even if they are not ready to step out to do socially-distanced activities.
“We may not be able to go to a movie. Maybe we can create a movie, we can bake, we can draw,” Dr. Crutchfield suggested.
For the Fort Worth mom, that is exactly what the carnival outing was all about.
"It's really important for them to actually experience it in person rather than just through an iPhone or their tablet or just TV. They’re actualy experiencing it. Just to have them out at a different scene, it's amazing for them,” said Jimenez.
The COVID-19 safety measures at the carnival reassured Jimenez of her decision.
“There’s like antibacterial, the carnival people are wearing masks,” she said.