Navigating the choice to send our twin daughters back to school during a pandemic has been a real challenge for my partner and me. As the primary caregiver working full-time from home, juggling the “classroom” setup at our dining table, managing screen time, and endlessly handing out snacks, I was thrilled when our school district announced a phased reopening. They planned to start with grades K-2, with hopes of reassessing the situation for older grades later on.
By early November, the stress had visibly taken its toll on me—extra gray hairs sprouted, lunch often went forgotten, and by mid-afternoon, I was ready to throw in the towel. My kids needed experiences that only their kindergarten teacher could provide. In-person schooling would boost their social and emotional development, teach them independence, and allow them to form friendships. They would participate in gym and art classes, visit the library, and make choices in the cafeteria. Most importantly, they would learn from passionate teachers, individuals who genuinely care about their education.
Yet, I grapple with the reality that by sending them back to school, we are knowingly exposing them and their educators to the risk of COVID-19. Healthychildren.org states that in-person learning is safest when the virus is under control in the community. While our district is vigilant about monitoring local conditions, my worries persist.
Every day, we make choices for our children, some easy and others fraught with uncertainty. Teaching my kids at home while working is tough, but it’s also crucial to provide for them, especially with the economic challenges many families face—especially during the holidays. The thought of job loss or illness looms large, threatening our financial stability.
We recognize our privilege in having good health and employment, and that our children can attend school. It’s a balancing act that often feels overwhelming. My five-year-olds can’t engage with their teachers through a screen the way they can in person. Just last week, at drop-off, they rushed to the door, joyfully shouting “I LOVE SCHOOL!”—a moment that tugged at my heart. The week before, they begged to arrive early, eager to be the first in their classrooms.
For them, school is essential. So, if we’re following guidelines and taking necessary precautions, why does this decision weigh so heavily on my heart? The uncertainty of this pandemic is daunting. We know lives are being lost, schools are closing, and the world may never return to what it once was. What remains constant is the need for education and the imperative for parents to work and support their families.
I take extra precautions when they return home: immediate handwashing, changing clothes, and showering. Their masks and jackets are sanitized, and I ensure they stay hydrated. We discuss safety measures daily—using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, not sharing food, and adhering to their teachers’ instructions.
I remind myself that teachers who continue to show up do so out of love for our kids, despite the risks involved. They are making the tough choice to reopen classrooms because the education of our children is critical for our future.
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Summary
The decision to send kids back to school during the pandemic can be torturous for parents, balancing safety concerns against the benefits of in-person learning. With mounting stress and uncertainty, many families grapple with the implications of their choices while striving to provide for their children’s education and well-being.
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