Lifestyle
My Children Are Struggling
“Yesterday, we were just talking about the coronavirus at lunch, and today we came home, and I can’t go back to school. I don’t get it; I want to go back to school. I miss my friends, Mommy. I miss having fun.” These heartbreaking words came from my precious eight-year-old as I tucked her in the other night. I held her close while she sobbed, her little body feeling lifeless under the weight of her sadness. It was a moment that left me utterly devastated. Eventually, she calmed down enough to fall asleep, resting her head on her pillow.
This wasn’t the first time I had witnessed her struggle with feelings of grief, and I fear it won’t be the last.
I keep hearing that children are incredibly resilient, and while I agree, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to hold onto that belief. At first, I clung to this notion tightly to help me cope through the days. However, as the reality sets in that there is no end in sight, it’s harder to convince myself that they will emerge from this experience unscathed. Watching my once vibrant daughter succumb to an overwhelming sense of hopelessness has made me acutely aware of the significant academic, social, and emotional toll this pandemic is taking on kids.
It is crucial to acknowledge that while my children are struggling, they are still better off than many others. They have a roof over their heads, food on the table, and access to the technology required for online learning. Many children are facing far more dire situations, such as only having one meal a day, lacking necessary learning tools, or living in abusive environments without access to assistance. Some are even grappling with the loss of loved ones due to this devastating virus. Yet, even within our relative good fortune, the challenges remain substantial.
My children are quite distinct from each other, which allows me to observe the different ways the pandemic is affecting them. My son, nine, has severe ADHD and faces numerous academic, social, and emotional challenges. My daughter, eight, is typical both academically and socially.
For children with special needs, the impact of distance learning is glaringly evident. They are not receiving the academic support essential for their success. My son has specific requirements outlined in a 504 plan that must be met for him to thrive. Unfortunately, those needs cannot be fulfilled at home with a parent who lacks special education training. Despite our best efforts, both mine and the school’s, he is falling behind, as the carefully crafted goals for his academic, social, emotional, and therapeutic needs are not being met. Children like my son need consistency and structure, and distance learning provides anything but that. Only time will reveal how far behind many of these kids may fall.
However, it’s not just atypical learners who are feeling the effects of online education. My daughter, while intelligent and fond of reading and math, lacks the self-motivation needed for remote learning. She is not unique; I would argue very few second graders are eager to sit at home learning how to use a yardstick. They thrive on the dynamics of the classroom, the camaraderie with peers and teachers, and the excitement of being in a school environment.
Learning from a screen can be particularly challenging for her. Without the consistent encouragement from her teacher and classmates, she merely goes through the motions until the assignments are completed. While she is likely grasping enough of the core material to pass second grade, her enthusiasm for the learning process is waning with each passing week.
Both typical and atypical children are suffering socially. The elementary school years are crucial for developing strong interpersonal skills, and the ongoing isolation has disrupted this important growth. Social interactions have shifted online, which introduces a host of new challenges. I’ve watched one of my children become more withdrawn, showing little interest in chatting through Messenger Kids, while the other struggles to interpret social cues relayed through text. FaceTime cannot replicate in-person interactions, and navigating the complex online social landscape is tough even for the most socially adept kids. In truth, all of our children are feeling a significant sense of loneliness; they crave genuine connections with their friends.
The emotional ramifications have not gone unnoticed in our home either. My once cheerful daughter seems to be losing her sparkle. She no longer wakes up with the same joy she once did and often goes about her day in a monotonous, robotic manner. She calls me frequently during my work shifts to express how much she misses me, constantly checking if I’m safe and when I’ll return home. My son broke down when my partner went grocery shopping one night, convinced that the risk of contracting the virus was heightened after dark. He insisted on staying up until his dad returned, just to ensure he was okay.
Neither child can fully grasp why they are still at home or when life will return to normal. This uncertainty breeds a palpable anxiety within them.
So, no, my kids are not all right. All I can do is hold them a little tighter, offer more hugs, and do my best to address their questions and fears. I can only hope that when this is over, it leaves behind only faint scars.
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Summary
This article discusses the emotional, academic, and social challenges faced by children during the pandemic, portraying the struggles of both typical and atypical learners. While acknowledging their relative good fortune, the author highlights the significant impact that isolation and distance learning are having on their well-being.
Keyphrase: children’s struggles during the pandemic
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