As we approach the new school year, I find myself filled with anxiety about what lies ahead. The past year has been unlike any other, with challenges ranging from managing remote work meetings while our children navigated their online classes, to grappling with the uncertainty of hybrid learning models. The ongoing pandemic has cast a long shadow over our lives, particularly for parents of school-aged children.
This past school year started with my kids learning entirely online. As community COVID-19 rates declined, we made the choice to send them back to school. The dining room table simply wasn’t conducive to their learning needs. They transitioned to a hybrid schedule—spending two days in class and three days at home. With some families opting for remote learning, my children benefited from smaller class sizes and more individual attention from their teachers. Now, all three are attending school four days a week, and I can’t emphasize enough how positive this change has been for both them and for me.
However, with just over three months remaining in the current school year, I can’t help but worry about the next one. The summer may bring more uncertainty as the pandemic continues. I know that my children need to be in school four days a week—ideally five, if it’s safe. I also foresee myself sending my partner reminders about masks and water bottles, as our new normal includes these essentials. The thought of my kids potentially getting or spreading COVID-19 weighs heavily on my mind, and concerns about their health and safety linger.
Natasha, a parent from a suburb near Atlanta, expressed similar concerns regarding her sixth grader: “I’m still really anxious about sending him back full-time. We just don’t know enough about how this disease affects kids.” Ultimately, we must make the best choices for our families, even if they look different from those of others.
Life and school are undergoing significant changes, and while kids are resilient, adapting to these new realities is essential. This year, my school supply list will include extra masks and water bottles, as I want to avoid a repeat of last year’s shortages of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Our fears as parents are valid, and with COVID-19 complicating matters, we’re left with more questions than answers.
As I contemplate the upcoming school year, I’m particularly worried about five key areas:
- My children’s social and emotional development, especially as they continue to establish their identities as students.
- The potential for their teachers to connect with them amidst their own personal challenges related to COVID-19.
- The risk of my kids contracting or transmitting COVID-19.
- The likelihood that normal school activities—like sharing lunch tables, enjoying recess without masks, and browsing library books—may remain out of reach for a while.
- My own mental well-being as I juggle work responsibilities alongside supporting my children’s education without feeling overwhelmed.
These concerns are exacerbated by the CDC’s guidance, which highlights the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 in children and the need for families to make informed decisions based on their unique situations. Each family has different transportation needs for school, and questions about safety remain. Will my kids be able to enjoy mask-free recess anytime soon? The uncertainties are daunting, but one thing is clear: our children need a safe environment for their education.
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Summary
As we approach the new school year, parents are grappling with significant worries regarding their children’s education and well-being amid the ongoing pandemic. Challenges include social and emotional growth, maintaining connections with teachers, and the risks associated with COVID-19. With a focus on adapting to a new normal, parents are making preparations for the next school year while balancing their own mental health and work responsibilities.