Magnificent News: On Parenting: Quarantines, questions, queries. These experts can help.

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The challenges, delights and shared experiences of parenting.

By Amy Joyce

The day he was due to return to school after winter break, our youngest woke up and said his throat was scratchy. We had tested him the day before so he could go back to school, and we weren't surprised to see a negative result. But we tested him again and there it was: The dreaded positive. He spent the next 10 days quarantined, away from school. His teachers were incredibly gracious, and I also think gave him some serious flexibility in assignments. We were so lucky in that he didn't get very sick, and that we didn't get it. Nor did the friends with whom he had spent a lot of time sledding (and wrestling) in the few days prior. But this time brought up so many questions. Do we make him stay in his room by himself? (We decided no.) Wear a mask? (Yes, particularly if his brother was nearby.) Do we sit near him? (Not really, poor kid.) The questions I had and so many more are nagging at parents. We're trying to balance their safety, our safety, the safety of strangers, with mental health and so many other things. So we asked parents to pose the questions that are nagging at them as we enter month 98,373 of this pandemic, then reached out to medical experts, a sociologist and our parenting advice columnist for answers. What they had to say was incredibly helpful to me as my kid finally returned to school, and as we sit and wait and wonder and stress about what's next. We hope it's helpful for you, too.
Speaking of our parenting advice columnist, here's your chance to ask Meghan Leahy anything. Ask your questions now and she'll get to as many as she can during her Q&A Feb. 2.
Have a good weekend, everyone. As always, we're wishing you the best.

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Parenting in a Pandemic

These are challenging times for any parent to navigate. Let On Parenting help. Below you'll find a selection of expert advice and personal stories for all types of parents. To keep up with The Post's best advice for living through a lockdown, including recipes to make, shows to watch, the best socializing apps, resources for parents, guidance for managing anxiety and tips for canceled trips, bookmark Your Life at Home. And the latest on school during this pandemic can be found at The Post's Education page.