Every parent is feeling the strain right now. If you’re not, please share your secret! As distance learning comes to a close for most families across the United States, we are left to juggle work from home with kids vying for attention. At least we’ll be free from virtual classrooms, Zoom sessions, and juggling a myriad of educational apps. However, summer promises to be a long, hot season filled with restless kids lamenting the absence of pool parties and playdates, while parents scramble to meet work deadlines in a fortunate job climate. In pre-COVID times, the bliss of summer break was often followed by the relief of sending kids back to school in the fall. This year, the sentiment of relief will be overshadowed.
Despite the extensive guidelines released by the CDC regarding K-12 school reopenings in the U.S., I am resolved that if schools are open, my kids will be returning.
Let me clarify: my decision isn’t fueled solely by fatigue or the desire to escape my kids, though I admit I often feel overwhelmed. I’m a rational parent who weighs decisions based on both my needs and those of my children. They need the classroom environment for reasons beyond my own exhaustion, which is intricately tied to their well-being.
As a freelancer, I can’t conduct half of my work from home. Currently, I rely on unemployment benefits to offset some of the financial strain, but without childcare, I can’t leave the house to work. When pandemic aid runs out in July, I’ll need alternatives for childcare while I work. I hope to find a sitter who can step in when both my partner and I are at work. Like many working parents, school isn’t just about education; it offers a safe environment for kids while we earn a living to support our families.
The safety of schools is, of course, a pressing concern. Implementing the logistics needed to protect students, staff, and families is complex and will only be done after careful consideration. The CDC indicates that virtual-only classes present the lowest risk for COVID-19 transmission. Next comes small in-person groups of students and teachers who maintain distance, wear masks, and avoid sharing supplies. The highest risk level is simply returning to the way things were pre-pandemic. It’s a daunting task for everyone involved, and the “normal” we once knew is gone.
Before schools closed in March, our school had already begun to incorporate social distancing measures. My child’s teacher utilized hula hoops to create personal space for students at their workstations. Each child had their own set of supplies, and handwashing was closely monitored. All classes, including lunch, were held in the classroom. Such practices will now become standard to safeguard our educational community’s health.
Community support plays a critical role in my comfort level with sending my kids back to school. According to the CDC, schools should collaborate with local health officials to implement safety measures that fit their unique circumstances. Living in Vermont, I feel reassured by our governor and health department’s proactive and transparent approach to keeping our citizens safe.
If your community lacks the resources to implement safe reopening practices, or if you or your child is at high risk, it’s best to keep them home. Similarly, if your child may struggle in a radically altered environment due to special needs, consider alternative options. Avoid making decisions based on sensationalized social media posts or blog entries lamenting the sight of masked children.
While it pains me to think of my kids wearing masks—symbols of something amiss—I recognize that masks have become part of our protective gear, much like mittens in winter. It’s not ideal, and everything feels undeniably wrong, but my children need social interactions with their peers and teachers. They crave the structure and predictability of a school day, even if it involves a hybrid model with both in-person and distance learning. I’m not in a position to homeschool effectively; managing three kids while working full-time is daunting.
It’s one thing to build on what they’ve already learned, but starting a new school year with fresh teachers and a new curriculum is unfeasible in our current situation. I worry that my own stress and anxiety may impact my children just as much as the challenges of missing out on social interactions and normalcy.
My family is eager for some semblance of normal life to return, but we’ve come to accept that this is our new reality. As a queer family, we’ve always navigated differences, and we will adapt once more. I acknowledge my privilege regarding my children’s health and fewer needs for special education resources. Many parents are caught in tough situations, trying to balance work and find environments that adhere to safety guidelines, and my heart goes out to them.
I am committed to doing what’s best for my family. If the schools my children attend implement all necessary safety measures, they will return. I know I’m placing trust in a system I can’t control, but my decisions are based on my children’s well-being rather than just my immediate reactions. Children are remarkably resilient and often surprise us with their ability to adapt. If they struggle, my partner and I will reassess. But we must try, as continuing in this uncertain state is not sustainable for us.
I’m unsure what it will take to feel relief; it’s been a long time since I experienced that. A lot can change before September, but if I can send my kids to school, I will feel a mix of heartbreak and cautious optimism about their ability to thrive even in challenging circumstances. For more insights, check out this related blog post here.
In summary, navigating the challenges of returning to school during a pandemic is complex for every parent. It involves weighing the needs of our children against our circumstances, community support, and the safety measures implemented in schools. As we adapt to this new reality, it’s crucial to make informed decisions based on reliable information rather than fear or sensationalism.