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‘It Is a Nightmare Out Here’: Seattle Parents Struggle to Balance Work and Child Care ‘It Is a Nightmare Out Here’: Seattle Parents Struggle to Balance Work and Child Care
(about 13 hours later)
As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we’re working to answer the questions on many parents’ minds. This is a fast-moving situation, so some information may be outdated. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s live coronavirus coverage here.As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we’re working to answer the questions on many parents’ minds. This is a fast-moving situation, so some information may be outdated. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s live coronavirus coverage here.
First the schools closed, then the babysitter canceled.First the schools closed, then the babysitter canceled.
Jaime Fitch, 40, a manager at the University of Washington School of Medicine, woke up on Monday to learn that her children’s caretaker — and her family’s best source of backup child care — had some symptoms of Covid-19, but not enough to get tested.Jaime Fitch, 40, a manager at the University of Washington School of Medicine, woke up on Monday to learn that her children’s caretaker — and her family’s best source of backup child care — had some symptoms of Covid-19, but not enough to get tested.
Her mother-in-law, who has babysat in the past, was recently in a car accident and had a broken sternum. And Fitch’s husband, who is the director of marketing and operations at a start-up, needed to work, too.Her mother-in-law, who has babysat in the past, was recently in a car accident and had a broken sternum. And Fitch’s husband, who is the director of marketing and operations at a start-up, needed to work, too.
So they did what a lot of parents are doing during the school closures: multitask, play jiu-jitsu with their schedules and hope for the best.So they did what a lot of parents are doing during the school closures: multitask, play jiu-jitsu with their schedules and hope for the best.
During conference calls, Fitch breastfeeds her 10-month-old daughter, angling the camera upward or turning it off. Her daughter takes naps on her chest in a carrier while Fitch responds to emails and attends online meetings. Her 4-year-old son watches videos and plays games online. A whiteboard in the kitchen that used to feature recipes now lists the daily meetings she and her husband must attend.During conference calls, Fitch breastfeeds her 10-month-old daughter, angling the camera upward or turning it off. Her daughter takes naps on her chest in a carrier while Fitch responds to emails and attends online meetings. Her 4-year-old son watches videos and plays games online. A whiteboard in the kitchen that used to feature recipes now lists the daily meetings she and her husband must attend.
Late last week, Seattle became one of the first major cities to close its public schools because of coronavirus, panicking parents who work outside the home and offering a glimpse of the future for parents who live in other hot spots around the country. Since then, schools in the rest of the state have also closed, and the public schools systems in Los Angeles, Boston and New York City — the nation’s largest — have announced temporary shut downs.Late last week, Seattle became one of the first major cities to close its public schools because of coronavirus, panicking parents who work outside the home and offering a glimpse of the future for parents who live in other hot spots around the country. Since then, schools in the rest of the state have also closed, and the public schools systems in Los Angeles, Boston and New York City — the nation’s largest — have announced temporary shut downs.
The first known U.S. coronavirus case was detected in Washington State. The virus has spread rapidly there, killing 48 people, more than anywhere else in the country.The first known U.S. coronavirus case was detected in Washington State. The virus has spread rapidly there, killing 48 people, more than anywhere else in the country.
Fitch said the child care centers her children attend were closed, just like the public schools, but she and her husband were still responsible for paying $1,800 a month to keep their youngest enrolled in day care. They’re now awaiting word about their 4-year-old’s $1,500 preschool tuition.Fitch said the child care centers her children attend were closed, just like the public schools, but she and her husband were still responsible for paying $1,800 a month to keep their youngest enrolled in day care. They’re now awaiting word about their 4-year-old’s $1,500 preschool tuition.
“It is a nightmare out here,” Fitch said. “I’m losing sleep, and I’m dreaming about this.”“It is a nightmare out here,” Fitch said. “I’m losing sleep, and I’m dreaming about this.”
Denise Juneau, the superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, said on Friday in a video statement that the district is working on ways to provide child care for health workers and disadvantaged families. In a letter on Friday, the school district urged parents to “please offer help to friends and neighbors.”Denise Juneau, the superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, said on Friday in a video statement that the district is working on ways to provide child care for health workers and disadvantaged families. In a letter on Friday, the school district urged parents to “please offer help to friends and neighbors.”
To begin filling the gaping need for child care, organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, which offer after school and summer programs, are expanding their hours. Even some of the youngest Seattle residents are pitching in.To begin filling the gaping need for child care, organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, which offer after school and summer programs, are expanding their hours. Even some of the youngest Seattle residents are pitching in.
“I realized my only problem during break was having nothing to do,” said Josie Droz, 13, a seventh grader at Seattle Public Schools. So she organized a group of about 15 peers to offer babysitting services to parents in need. They named themselves “The Good Kids,” because “I feel like what every parent’s looking for is having a good kid,” she said.“I realized my only problem during break was having nothing to do,” said Josie Droz, 13, a seventh grader at Seattle Public Schools. So she organized a group of about 15 peers to offer babysitting services to parents in need. They named themselves “The Good Kids,” because “I feel like what every parent’s looking for is having a good kid,” she said.
So far she has connected five parents with babysitters, she said. The fees and time allotted to each family will vary.So far she has connected five parents with babysitters, she said. The fees and time allotted to each family will vary.
“If there’s a family who can’t afford to have their kids looked after and might have to quit their job because they need to take care of their kids, we can give them babysitting for free,” she said, adding that her group is willing to travel throughout the Seattle area. “We want to be able to help as many people as possible.”“If there’s a family who can’t afford to have their kids looked after and might have to quit their job because they need to take care of their kids, we can give them babysitting for free,” she said, adding that her group is willing to travel throughout the Seattle area. “We want to be able to help as many people as possible.”
Members of the community are also offering assistance online. Facebook groups like Seattle Help for Parents & Caregivers During Covid-19 Outbreak and the SPS COVID 19 school closure parent survival page have become virtual gathering places for those affected by the school closures, as well as a way to share resources, including websites offering educational tools.Members of the community are also offering assistance online. Facebook groups like Seattle Help for Parents & Caregivers During Covid-19 Outbreak and the SPS COVID 19 school closure parent survival page have become virtual gathering places for those affected by the school closures, as well as a way to share resources, including websites offering educational tools.
The state is also mobilizing to help families. Nicole Rose, a director at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families, said in a video statement on Friday that the agency is “actively exploring” different ways to assist families and child care providers during the closures, though the agency did not immediately respond to email or phone inquires about those plans.The state is also mobilizing to help families. Nicole Rose, a director at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families, said in a video statement on Friday that the agency is “actively exploring” different ways to assist families and child care providers during the closures, though the agency did not immediately respond to email or phone inquires about those plans.
The current lack of child care can be especially challenging for single parents and caregivers of children with special needs. Sarah Fitzsimons, 39, a single mother who lives in Burien, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, has started bringing her two youngest children to the small auto body repair shop where she works as an office manager.The current lack of child care can be especially challenging for single parents and caregivers of children with special needs. Sarah Fitzsimons, 39, a single mother who lives in Burien, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, has started bringing her two youngest children to the small auto body repair shop where she works as an office manager.
The boys, 8 and 10, do schoolwork for a few hours each day that was assigned by their teachers after the closures were announced. Afterward, they play video games like Fortnite and Minecraft. One of her biggest concerns is that business will slow and she will no longer have a job.The boys, 8 and 10, do schoolwork for a few hours each day that was assigned by their teachers after the closures were announced. Afterward, they play video games like Fortnite and Minecraft. One of her biggest concerns is that business will slow and she will no longer have a job.
“My rent is half of my income,” she said.“My rent is half of my income,” she said.
Another worry: providing enough food for her sons. Fitzsimons, who relies on free school meals, will soon begin picking up grab-and-go breakfast and lunch bags for the boys at a nearby high school every morning on her way to work.Another worry: providing enough food for her sons. Fitzsimons, who relies on free school meals, will soon begin picking up grab-and-go breakfast and lunch bags for the boys at a nearby high school every morning on her way to work.
On top of all this, in April she will be juggling medical appointments for her 8-year-old, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.On top of all this, in April she will be juggling medical appointments for her 8-year-old, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.
She has no family nearby. In the past, Fitzsimons relied on UrbanSitter, a website and mobile app that connects parents with babysitters. But now she would need a sitter for at least nine hours a day. “I can’t afford to do that right now,” she said.She has no family nearby. In the past, Fitzsimons relied on UrbanSitter, a website and mobile app that connects parents with babysitters. But now she would need a sitter for at least nine hours a day. “I can’t afford to do that right now,” she said.
Janene Lalonde, 46, who lives in north Seattle, also has a son with special needs: Franklin, 3, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She recently found out that his regular visits with a speech therapist and an occupational therapist have been canceled because of concerns about coronavirus.Janene Lalonde, 46, who lives in north Seattle, also has a son with special needs: Franklin, 3, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She recently found out that his regular visits with a speech therapist and an occupational therapist have been canceled because of concerns about coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Lalonde, an administrative law judge, is struggling to work from home.Meanwhile, Lalonde, an administrative law judge, is struggling to work from home.
“Franklin is watching ‘Toy Story’ in the other room, so I have probably 90 minutes I can work on stuff,” she said on Monday morning.“Franklin is watching ‘Toy Story’ in the other room, so I have probably 90 minutes I can work on stuff,” she said on Monday morning.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
When he’s not in front of a screen, Lalonde is “constantly fetching snacks” she said. At this age, she added, “they just need a lot of attention.”When he’s not in front of a screen, Lalonde is “constantly fetching snacks” she said. At this age, she added, “they just need a lot of attention.”
In the past she has relied on her parents or her sister for child care.In the past she has relied on her parents or her sister for child care.
“He’s never had a paid babysitter,” she said.“He’s never had a paid babysitter,” she said.
But she’s hesitant to enlist her family’s help now. Her parents are in their 70s, which means they have a greater risk of developing severe symptoms from coronavirus. And her sister is a physician who is not available to help on weekdays.But she’s hesitant to enlist her family’s help now. Her parents are in their 70s, which means they have a greater risk of developing severe symptoms from coronavirus. And her sister is a physician who is not available to help on weekdays.
Some families are fortunate enough to have relatives nearby who can provide additional support. But it’s still difficult.Some families are fortunate enough to have relatives nearby who can provide additional support. But it’s still difficult.
Caroline Daniel, 36, is a mother of two who is working from home processing claims for injured veterans for the Veterans Benefits Administration. Her children, ages 3 and 6, are no longer in school.Caroline Daniel, 36, is a mother of two who is working from home processing claims for injured veterans for the Veterans Benefits Administration. Her children, ages 3 and 6, are no longer in school.
On Friday, Daniel began working from home at 6 a.m. to get a head start. Her husband, a photographer, left for work at 8:30. A few hours later, Daniel drove her children to her sister’s house to play with their cousins. Once there, she worked at her sister’s kitchen table, where her 4-year-old niece sometimes sat on her lap, and in the family room, where she watched the kids play.On Friday, Daniel began working from home at 6 a.m. to get a head start. Her husband, a photographer, left for work at 8:30. A few hours later, Daniel drove her children to her sister’s house to play with their cousins. Once there, she worked at her sister’s kitchen table, where her 4-year-old niece sometimes sat on her lap, and in the family room, where she watched the kids play.
“It was chaotic,” she said. “I was able to get enough work done, but it was hard, and I was so exhausted.”“It was chaotic,” she said. “I was able to get enough work done, but it was hard, and I was so exhausted.”
She said it feels sometimes like the world is closing in, and all of the activities her family used to participate in — church, gymnastics, the zoo — are falling away, one by one.She said it feels sometimes like the world is closing in, and all of the activities her family used to participate in — church, gymnastics, the zoo — are falling away, one by one.
“I feel like I’m at the edge of tears all the time,” she said. “I know this is temporary, but it feels so halting. Like we’re in some weird nightmare where you try to run but can’t move.”“I feel like I’m at the edge of tears all the time,” she said. “I know this is temporary, but it feels so halting. Like we’re in some weird nightmare where you try to run but can’t move.”