As a parent, I’ve been grappling with the choice my partner and I made to send our twin daughters back to school during this pandemic. As the main caregiver who juggles a full-time job from home while overseeing their “classroom” setup at our dining room table, managing TV breaks, and dispensing snacks like they’ll never end, I felt a wave of relief when our school district announced the gradual reopening for in-person learning. They would begin with grades K-2 and then evaluate the situation to determine if they could proceed with the rest.
By the time this announcement came in early November, I had developed a few extra gray hairs at the front of my head, often skipped lunch, and by 2 PM each day, I was ready to throw in the towel. I realized there were aspects of education that I simply couldn’t provide for my kids—things that only their kindergarten teacher could offer. In-person school would not only enhance their social and emotional development but also foster their independence and a healthy distance from family. They would have opportunities to interact with peers, participate in physical education, enjoy art classes, visit the library, and make their own choices in the cafeteria. Above all, they would learn from dedicated educators who are passionate about teaching.
Yet, my dilemma lies in knowing that by choosing to send our children back to the classroom, we are consciously putting them, their teachers, and school staff at risk of contracting COVID-19. According to healthychildren.org, the goal of having children learn in person can only be achieved when community transmission rates are under control. While our district is monitoring the situation closely, I can’t help but worry.
As parents, we make countless decisions for our kids—some with full confidence, while others feel fraught with uncertainty. Yes, facilitating my kids’ learning from home is challenging, but so is the reality of job instability, especially with the holiday season approaching. If the economy falters or one of us contracts COVID-19, we could deplete our savings and face hardship.
We recognize how fortunate we are to be healthy and employed, and that our children can attend school. Though we’re managing the chaos and feeling overwhelmed, every option seems fraught with difficulty. My five-year-olds can’t engage with their teachers online as they do in the classroom. Last Monday, during drop-off, they raced to the door, shouting “WE LOVE SCHOOL!” Hearing their excitement tugged at my heart. Just the previous week, they pleaded to arrive early so they could be the first in their classrooms, waiting in the car line for a full 15 minutes before the bell rang.
For my children, school is essential. If we’re following the necessary precautions and adhering to guidelines from their school and health experts, why does this choice feel so daunting? The challenges stem from the uncertainty surrounding this year, this season, and the ongoing pandemic. We know that people are suffering, that schools are closing, and that life will never return to the way it was before March. Nonetheless, our children still need an education, and parents still need to work to provide for their families.
I take extra precautions every day when they come home from school: they wash their hands immediately, change their clothes, shower, and I ensure their masks and jackets are sanitized. I keep them hydrated, encourage healthy eating, and remind them daily about safety measures: using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, avoiding food sharing, and following their teachers’ instructions.
I remind myself that if their teachers didn’t care about their jobs and weren’t willing to face their fears for the sake of our kids, they would seek alternatives. But they show up every day, driven by their love for our children—just like us—and together we are navigating the tough decision to open classrooms, recognizing that our nation’s future hinges on the education our kids receive today, even when it feels incredibly daunting.
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Summary:
The decision to send children back to school during the pandemic is fraught with emotional conflict for parents. While in-person learning offers invaluable benefits that foster social, emotional, and educational growth, the risks associated with COVID-19 weigh heavily on parents’ minds. Balancing the need for education with safety concerns creates a complex dilemma, especially in uncertain times. Through careful precautions and open communication, families navigate this challenging landscape together, hoping for a safer future.