As the main caregiver, I find myself grappling with the choice my spouse and I made to send our twin daughters back to school during this pandemic. Working full-time from home while managing their “classroom” on our dining room table, juggling the TV during breaks, and handing out snacks as if they were a precious resource, I was thrilled when our district announced a phased reopening for in-person learning. They would start with grades K-2 and then reassess based on the virus spread.
By early November, I had developed a few more gray hairs, often skipped lunch, and by 2 PM, I felt completely overwhelmed. There were aspects of education I simply couldn’t provide—social and emotional learning, independence, and the chance to forge friendships. They needed to interact with their physical education and art teachers, visit the library, and make their own food choices in the cafeteria. Most importantly, they needed to learn from passionate educators whom I trust.
Yet, my struggle lies in the fact that by sending our children back, we are aware of the risks to their health and that of their teachers and school staff. As noted by health experts, “The goal of having children attend school in person—where they learn best—will only be safe when the virus is under control in the community. A layered approach is essential to ensure the safety of students and staff.” Although our district is monitoring our community well, anxiety still lingers.
Every day, we make choices for our kids, some filled with confidence, while others leave us questioning. Teaching my kids while working from home is tough, but so is the reality of job loss faced by many families, especially during the holiday season. If the economy falters, or if one of us contracts COVID-19, we could find ourselves in a precarious position.
We know we are fortunate to be healthy and employed, and that our kids can attend school. We manage the chaos, even if it feels like we’re losing our minds. My five-year-olds can’t engage with their teachers through a screen as they can in a classroom. Last Monday, when I dropped them off, they dashed toward the door, shouting, “WE LOVE SCHOOL!” Their excitement was bittersweet. Just the previous week, they begged to arrive early so they could be first in their classrooms.
For my daughters, school is essential. If we’re following safety protocols and adhering to guidelines from the school and health authorities, why does this decision weigh so heavily on me? The uncertainty of this year, the pandemic, and its repercussions makes it challenging. We know people are suffering, schools are closing, and life as we knew it is gone. Yet, we still have children in need of education and parents who must provide for their families.
Every time my daughters return home from school, I take extra precautions: they wash their hands immediately, change their clothes, shower, and their masks and jackets are washed as well. I ensure they stay hydrated and eat their vitamins, fruits, and veggies. Each morning, we discuss how to remain safe: using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, avoiding food-sharing, and following their teachers’ instructions.
I remind myself that teachers show up daily because they care for our children and believe in the importance of education. They are making the hard choice to open classrooms because our children’s future depends on the education they receive today, even when it feels overwhelmingly difficult.
This article was originally published on November 24, 2020. For more insights, check out one of our other blog posts.
Summary:
Navigating the decision to send children back to school during a pandemic can be fraught with anxiety. Parents grapple with balancing the need for education and social interaction against the risks posed by COVID-19. While we recognize the essential role of teachers and the importance of in-person learning, the uncertainties of the pandemic weigh heavily on families. Taking precautions, such as hygiene practices and open discussions about safety, can help ease some concerns. Ultimately, the desire for our children to thrive in their education remains a priority.