March 19, 2021
The events of March 2020 altered our daily lives in ways we never anticipated. I closed my classroom door, thinking it would be just for a long weekend. I picked up my children from preschool and after-school programs, returning home to our usual routine. Soon after, my husband was instructed to work from home indefinitely. Our family found ourselves immersed in a new reality, experiencing education through a digital lens.
Surely, this couldn’t go on forever, right?
Our family spent much of the past year in relative seclusion, missing out on holiday gatherings and family traditions. We skipped our usual Easter celebrations and the summer barbecues for Memorial Day and Fourth of July. Even vacations were limited; after a panic attack at a nearly empty mini-golf course, we settled on a quiet getaway in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, a county with relatively few COVID-related deaths compared to our home in Berks County, Pennsylvania, where cases were surging.
As time passed, we experienced more isolation. With vaccinations rolling out and case numbers fluctuating, the closest we got to seeing others was a quick wave to the delivery person dropping off groceries. We were fortunate to have the option of virtual or hybrid schooling for our children, and as a ninth-grade English teacher, I remained fully virtual as well.
Many people might think it’s essential for kids to return to in-person schooling. I understand that sentiment, yet it’s not so straightforward. The rise in anxiety and depression among children is alarming, and the youth suicide rates are tragically getting younger. My husband and I take these issues very seriously.
Our 12-year-old engages in horseback riding lessons, masked and often outdoors. She earned a lead role in a virtual Drama Club production of “Hans Christian Andersen.” When asked about returning to in-person classes, she expresses that it would disrupt the comfort and stability she and her virtual friends have established since August.
Now, our five-year-old would dash to the school bus in a heartbeat if her district resumed in-person learning. However, as one of the youngest in her class, it’s daunting to expect a teacher to manage mask-wearing among five- and six-year-olds, especially with the current setup. Kindergarten, a space meant for creativity and collaboration, has become a rigid environment with strict protocols. Children are distanced and separated by plexiglass, which has led to some parents questioning the need for masks.
Recess has become a time of seeing but not touching any equipment, which is frustrating for little ones who thrive on interaction. While we love our daughter’s school and her teacher, our decision to remain virtual means she will miss a week of instruction while her classmates transition back to in-person learning.
This isn’t the educational experience we want for her.
However, as both my husband and I have been vaccinated, we decided to enroll her in gymnastics—a class she has longed for. Some may critique our decision, but we carefully weighed the risks and benefits. The gym adheres to COVID protocols, including mask-wearing and sanitizing equipment between uses. The potential for exposure is minimal, while the social engagement she gains is invaluable as she continues with virtual schooling.
Her first class was impressive, showcasing the balance of safety and fun. We are committed to following health guidelines, maintaining social distancing, and only inviting vaccinated individuals into our home. Conversations with our children about their comfort levels are integral to our approach.
For more information about family-building options, you can check out this excellent resource at Resolve. If you’re interested in further insights on this topic, you may want to explore Intracervical Insemination, which offers valuable information. Additionally, you can read more about the benefits of gymnastics in our other blog post here.
In summary, while we navigate the complexities of education and socialization during these unprecedented times, we are making choices that prioritize our daughter’s well-being and development.
SEO Metadata