Q. Our neighbors are very nice and we like them all, but for the last couple of weeks, they have been getting together without masks and without social distancing. The children are playing without following the distancing rules, as well. I don’t feel safe enough yet to go to these gatherings and parties. Am I being too strict? My children and husband think so.

The answer about being too strict during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandamic is “No.”

According to panelist Mike Daniels, “I don’t think anyone can decide who is too strict and who isn’t. We are all in a different space, and we all have to make decisions individually.”

“It is OK to disagree with people about why you think something is safe or not safe,” panelist Denise Continenza said, “but keep in mind that the neighbors’ positions are also important.

“What matters is that we respect each other. Keep communication open, and respect each other’s boundaries,” Continenza said.

“If you don’t feel comfortable socializing at any point,” panelist Wanda Mercado-Arroyo said, “you don’t have to give a reason. It’s enough to say, ‘Thank you, but we’re not comfortable yet.’” She stressed, however, that the parent needs to make sure she is not uncomfortable when she says, “No.”

Concerned that the mother’s family may be going up against her, panelist Pam Wallace said the mother needs to sit down with her husband and the children to discuss the situation.

“She needs to talk about what she thinks could happen, and why she feels the way she does,” said Wallace.

There are many different sources of information and different options recommended concerning the pandemic, Daniels said. It is important for the parents to recognize where they are getting their information, and to evaluate its impact on their decision-making.

“This is an opportunity for mom to be assertive and feel good about it,” panelist Chad Stefanyak said.

“This isn’t just getting together for a picnic. It is being asked to go over to someone else’s house with other non-family members,” Stefanyak continued.

“This is not the first time nor the last time. This is going to come up again,” said Stefanyak.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist, Denise Continenza, extension educator; Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, educator and former school administrator; and Chad Stefanyak, school counselor.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.