It was only the second day of our social isolation when my daughter pleaded with me to let her return to school. She revealed what was weighing heavily on her heart: it wasn’t the absence of playground fun, lunch breaks with friends, or the thrill of classroom tech. What she truly missed was her teacher.
Our children were denied the chance to bid farewell to their educators. One moment they were in class, and the next, they were sent home indefinitely. The onset of social distancing was met with serious measures from our school district. Schools closed suddenly, with students sent home clutching their belongings and packets of assignments. There were no warm hugs or gentle reassurances of “see you soon.” It was abrupt, leaving our kids without the closure that the pandemic had snatched away.
The repercussions of COVID-19 caught many off guard, including our children and their teachers. Amidst the confusing headlines flooding our news and social media, a deeper emotional turmoil began to simmer. As parents, we underestimated how profoundly social distancing, isolation, and quarantine would affect our kids.
After the schools shut down, it became evident that children were beginning to feel the heavy burden of the pandemic. Their lives, once structured around daily routines, were turned upside down. Despite our efforts to protect them from unnecessary worry, the abrupt shift from a bustling school environment to being homeschooled by parents has resulted in disappointment, confusion, and anxiety. Their longing to see their teachers is palpable.
They went from engaging in lessons, playing with friends, and sharing meals with their teacher to navigating a new reality at home. School often fosters a sense of community and security, which has been disrupted. What does this new normal entail, and when will it evolve again? We all grapple with the uncertainty of whether our children will return to school or if we’ll have to wait until later in the year.
Now, there’s a noticeable disconnect. The close-knit relationships my children had with their teachers and friends have been fractured. Despite all the technology—video calls, emails, and recorded lessons—nothing can truly replace what has been lost. Our educators have gone above and beyond during this transition, yet kids yearn for the consistency and familiarity that comes with in-person interactions.
At bedtime, one child expressed curiosity about what their teacher might be doing at that very moment. Another, though quiet about their feelings, demonstrated increased anxiety surrounding schoolwork. My youngest has been persistently asking to video chat with her teacher, longing for that familiar presence.
Even with a structured home learning routine that I’ve tried to establish—complete with chores and music practice—it still doesn’t fill the void. For most children, having their parent as the teacher is an unfamiliar experience. Without their educator, our children understandably feel adrift, as if they are navigating uncharted waters without guidance. The bond formed over months cannot be replicated by a parent.
This situation underscores a critical truth: nothing can substitute for face-to-face communication, which is essential for building solid relationships. Since our teachers have been integral in our children’s lives throughout the school year, everyone is now left to navigate how to mend this relationship gap.
Perhaps this absence will foster a deeper appreciation. If our kids return to school this year, I hope there will be a significant focus on healing and rebuilding connections, prioritizing relationships over academics. Conversely, for those who may not return, some children may develop trust issues or feelings of apathy. For others, especially those with traumatic backgrounds, the separation could intensify their distress. School is a sanctuary for many—a place where they feel heard, cared for, and fed. These realities are concerning.
The adage rings true: you don’t realize the value of what you have until it’s gone. This separation from their teachers has led to a newfound appreciation for the invaluable role educators play in our children’s lives.
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Summary:
Children are experiencing grief and loss over the abrupt end of their school year and the inability to say goodbye to their teachers. The transition to homeschooling has left many feeling disconnected and anxious. As routines are disrupted, the longing for the familiar presence of educators highlights the importance of these relationships in children’s lives. Parents must navigate this emotional landscape while recognizing the vital role teachers play in fostering a sense of community and security.