The first days of the year are an occasion for reunions, visits and congratulations. However, for families with newborns, Tet is also a time with many potential risks of infection if the baby has to be in close contact with too many people. According to pediatricians, knowing how to refuse skillfully but decisively is necessary to protect children during a period when their immune system is still immature.
Many studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics show that infants, especially in the first 2-3 months of life, are very susceptible to respiratory virus infections from adults, even if it is just a mild flu. Carrying, kissing cheeks, or gathering crowds in closed spaces significantly increases the risk of infection that parents often find difficult to recognize immediately.
Instead of being shy or afraid of offending, parents are recommended to proactively give reasons related to their baby's health. Gently explaining that doctors advise limiting crowded contact will help relatives empathize more easily. According to Mayo Clinic, clarity and consistency in communication help reduce psychological pressure on parents and avoid unnecessary awkward situations.
Some families choose to let guests admire the baby from afar, without holding or direct contact. This is considered a balance solution between Tet politeness and health safety. The World Health Organization also emphasizes that limiting close contact is one of the most effective measures to prevent infectious diseases for young children.
Parents can also prepare short, polite rejection sentences, avoiding overly lengthy explanations that put pressure on themselves. The most important thing is to maintain the principles set out, because the safety of the baby needs to be prioritized over all politeness.
Tet is a time of love and care. Skillful refusal is not distance, but how parents protect their children from invisible risks in the early days of life.
