To the editor:

It’s been a few weeks since you published a story called “Parents vs. The State.” I responded to the writer directly in my shock at this kind of attention being brought to a group of people who do not see the benefit of teaching their children about caring for others. He encouraged me to write a letter to the editor.

With the holidays then upon us, I did not have a minute to sit down and gather my thoughts. But now, more than ever, I feel compelled to do so.

I am a critical care nurse with 27 years of experience, and to me and many of my colleagues, throwing a mask on is a small ask. I'm also a parent to two children in Barrington and they, like all the kids, have gone to school with masks on and THEY are OK!

Is it perfect? No, but life is not perfect, nor do I want them to expect it to be. 

Wearing masks is the very least people can do to prevent inadvertently spreading Covid. Adults and children alike should feel a part of that.

Until the recent approval of vaccines for school aged children under 12, wearing masks was one of the best defenses against Covid transmission. Wearing masks has allowed kids to attend school in person, which has well documented educational and social development benefits.

Instead of fighting this essential public health guideline, parents should serve as examples to their children. Consider starting by wearing a mask when you go into places like Shaws. Try to view it as a simple way to protect your family and others.

So for me, it's quite simple. The children are wearing masks to protect their classmates, teachers and staff, to allow for the continuation of in-person learning, and to contribute to the greater good by doing their part, as we all should.

So, in these very trying times, I ask the entire community to change how they are thinking about this. And I ask The Barrington Times to not glorify a practice that is dangerous by placing spotlights on those involved with “Parents vs. The State.”

Kate Sander

Barrington