Conversation best for parents when making vaccine decision
COVID-19 has been a tough time for everyone, including families, as they try to navigate what's best for them and their loved ones.
Vaccines were just made available to kids between the ages of five and 11 this week and while it will likely be an easy decision for some, others may find themselves facing a debate.
"Across the pandemic, all families have been impacted by these changes and new grounds that they're trying to cover and I think it's posed some particular challenges to co-parenting," said family lawyer Jessica Pugliese. "The biggest emphasis from my perspective has been on improving communication and conflict resolution."
Pugliese says the best course between parents is to always try and figure this out between themselves and not in the courtroom.
"It's really looking at what's in a child's best interest and that's what a court is going to do as well," she said.
"Every child and every family is different so the needs of different children and the needs of different families aren't cookie-cutter and they're never going to be precisely the same so it's always a good approach in either a co-parenting or regular parenting situation to have an open and Frank conversation with the other parent about what their perspective is and why," said Pugliese.
She says if you can come to a consensus between the two of you before seeking legal advice, it saves people a lot of time, effort and money.
"And again with the caveat that every child might have different circumstances, a judge is always going to look at what's in the best interest of the child and we do have an absolute tendency to defer to what the evidence is before them and if that evidence is that Public Health is advising and supporting public health measures and vaccines, that's certainly going to be very compelling," she said.
"You know I think it's really important to recognize, on both sides of the issue, vaccinating kids or not vaccinating them, you have a parent who loves their child so it's really important for parents to keep that in mind," said Alan McQuarrie, executive director of the Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing.
McQuarre says parents may be categorically opposed to their partner or former partner's decision but by recognizing that you have something in common and that you care about your child, that's key to keep in mind.
He tells CTVNews, COVID has been a stressful time for families and they're certainly seeing it walk through their front doors.
"It's so easy to get caught up in all kinds of ineffective arguments and debates and I really think it's important that people recognize the vaccine decision is often an emotional decision. It's not something that people reason about, often it's something they feel in their gut so having debates around the facts, sometimes it doesn't go a long way," he said.
McQuarrie says their phone has been ringing off the hook. Often times it's people struggling to deal with depression, loneliness and anxiety. It's also having a spill-over effect for things like domestic violence and addiction.
The toll from the pandemic is carrying over into the Christmas season so people need to focus on things like family.
"To let an argument over vaccines interrupt that healthy coming together, it's really important that people don't let that happen," he said.
The Counselling Community Centre of Nipissing offers a walk-in clinic for anyone in need of help dealing with the pandemic, feeling stuck or anxious. You can find more information here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.