As parents, we’re all feeling the strain. If you’re managing to stay afloat, please share your secret. For many of us in the U.S., the end of distance learning is approaching, and with it comes the challenge of working from home with kids around. While we navigate deadlines and job responsibilities, we’re also facing a summer filled with complaints from our kids about missing out on pools and playdates. The relief that typically accompanies the return to school in the fall feels different this year.
Let me clarify: I’m not sending my kids back to school simply because I’m overwhelmed or at my wit’s end. Yes, I feel that way daily, but I’m also a thoughtful parent who considers not only my needs but also those of my children. They require the structure and social interaction that only a classroom environment can provide.
As a freelancer, much of my work demands my physical presence outside the home. While I currently rely on unemployment benefits, I need a solution for childcare once government assistance ends. Like many working parents, I see school as not just an educational institution, but also a safe place where my kids can be cared for while I earn a living.
The safety of our schools is a significant concern. The CDC has outlined various guidelines for a safe reopening, emphasizing that virtual classes pose the lowest risk for COVID-19 transmission. Implementing in-person learning involves strict protocols for distancing, mask-wearing, and disinfecting, and the highest risk remains with a return to “normal” operations without precautions.
Before the pandemic, my children’s school had already begun implementing social distancing measures. For instance, their teacher used hula hoops to create personal space and provided individual supplies to minimize sharing. These practices will likely become standard as schools adapt to protect everyone’s health.
The community’s response to these changes greatly influences my comfort level regarding sending my kids back. The CDC notes that schools can collaborate with local health officials to tailor their approaches based on community circumstances. Living in Vermont, I appreciate that our leadership has been transparent and effective in managing the virus’s spread.
If your community lacks the resources to implement safe reopening measures, or if you or your child are at high risk, consider keeping them home. It’s essential not to make decisions based on social media posts or articles that focus on the negatives of mask-wearing.
The idea of my kids wearing masks is disheartening, as they symbolize an ongoing crisis. Yet, just as we wear mittens in the cold or apply sunscreen in the sun, masks are now part of our protective gear. It may not be ideal, but my children need the emotional and social connections that come with being in a school environment. They thrive on the structure of a school day, even if it means balancing in-person and remote learning.
Homeschooling isn’t a feasible option for us; with three kids and two working parents, starting a new school year with new teachers and lessons would be near impossible. I worry that my stress spills over into their lives, potentially causing more harm than not having a stable routine or social interaction.
As a queer family, we’ve always navigated differences, and this challenge is no exception. I recognize my privilege in terms of my children’s health and educational needs. Many parents face tougher decisions, and I empathize deeply with them.
Ultimately, I will support my family’s best interests. If our schools implement the necessary safety measures, my kids will return. I acknowledge the trust I place in systems beyond my control, but my decisions are grounded in my children’s well-being rather than mere reactions to discomfort. Children are remarkably resilient, and if they struggle, we will reassess. But we must try, as the current situation is unsustainable for us.
I’m uncertain what relief will look like; it has been absent for some time. Much can change before September, but if I can send my kids back to school, I will do so with a mix of heartbreak and hope, believing they will adapt to whatever challenges arise.
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Summary:
As the possibility of schools reopening approaches, parents must navigate complex decisions about their children’s education and safety. While the stress of remote learning has taken its toll, returning to the classroom could provide the structure and social interaction children need. Each family must assess their unique circumstances, balancing personal needs with the well-being of their children. Community resources and guidelines play crucial roles in shaping these decisions.