As we approach the next academic year, it’s hard not to feel a wave of anxiety wash over us, especially after the rollercoaster of the past school year. The challenges of juggling remote work while our kids navigated online learning were unprecedented. We worried about whether the hybrid model would be effective for our families and were constantly on edge about the potential risks of COVID-19.
This year, my children began their schooling entirely online. However, as the local COVID-19 rates improved and schools partially reopened, we made the decision to send them back to class. The dining room table simply wasn’t working for them anymore. They transitioned back into the classroom with a hybrid model—two days in-person and three days online. With some families choosing to keep their kids home, my children received more individualized attention from their teachers, which has been a blessing. Now that all three of my kids are back in school four days a week, I can honestly say it has been a relief for both them and for my own peace of mind.
As we look ahead to the next school year, I find myself grappling with several concerns. The future remains uncertain, especially with the ongoing pandemic. I know one thing for sure: my kids need the structure and social interaction of being in school, ideally four or five days a week.
I anticipate sending my partner reminders to “don’t forget the masks” and “make sure they have their water bottles.” This is our new normal. Our kids are equipped with face masks and reusable water bottles since using the school water fountain is still a risk. The uncertainty about when they might be vaccinated adds another layer of worry for many parents.
For instance, Clara Jenkins, a parent of a seventh grader in a suburb of Chicago, shared her own concerns: “I’m really anxious about sending him back to full-time school. We still don’t have all the answers about how children are affected by this virus. I’m skeptical but we’ll make it work,” she said. Ultimately, we all need to do what feels right for our families.
The reality is that life and education will forever be altered. While I believe our kids are resilient, adapting to these changes is essential, and that includes contemplating the next school year. My shopping list for school supplies will look different this year. I’ve already started gathering extra masks and water bottles, fearing a repeat of last year’s shortages of essential items, like toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
As parents, our fears are valid and often start long before our children are even born. The unique challenges posed by COVID-19 leave us with numerous unanswered questions. Here are the five main worries I have as we anticipate the next school year:
- My concerns about my kids’ social and emotional health as they continue to develop their identities as learners.
- I worry that their teachers won’t have the bandwidth to truly connect with them while managing their own personal challenges caused by the pandemic.
- The fear of my kids contracting or transmitting COVID-19 to others is ever-present.
- I’m anxious that my children’s experiences of school—like sharing lunch tables, sitting closely with friends, or freely accessing the library—will remain out of reach for a long time.
- Lastly, I’m worried about managing my own mental load and balancing work-life responsibilities while adequately supporting my kids’ education.
Navigating this new reality is challenging, and guidance from the CDC does little to quell my fears. The organization states, “The true prevalence of COVID-19 among children remains unclear due to limited testing.” Their advice emphasizes that we must make the best choices for our families, even if those choices differ from others. There are countless factors to consider; from whether public transportation will be safe to whether kids can play outside without masks. The uncertainties are endless, but one thing is clear: our children need a safe environment to learn.
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Summary
Parents are grappling with uncertainty as they prepare for the next school year, especially in light of ongoing concerns about COVID-19. Key worries include children’s social and emotional health, the effectiveness of teacher-student connections, health risks, and the changing nature of school experiences. As families adapt to this new normal, it’s important to consider individual circumstances and make informed decisions.