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By: Emily Johnson
It all began during a long weekend that was supposed to be filled with relaxation, swimming, and a few household chores. When one of my children mentioned a sore throat, I dismissed it as just allergies. A few hours later, another child started sniffling and complaining of a similar issue. Before I knew it, it felt like a chain reaction, with each child expressing the same discomfort.
Being the diligent parents that we are, we promptly took them for COVID-19 tests as soon as their pediatrician’s office opened. After a tense 48-hour wait for results, we settled them in at home with schoolwork while we awaited news. Then, I received a call from the school nurse, delivering the unsettling update that one of my children had been exposed to a student who tested positive for COVID-19. Just four weeks into the school year, and my kids were already facing quarantine.
Despite following every precaution since March of last year, it became evident that the only exposure to COVID-19 had come from school. Fortunately, two days after the tests, we learned from the pediatrician’s nurse that all the kids had rhinovirus, not COVID-19. Thank goodness!
I planned to keep them home until their cold symptoms cleared up—after all, who can wear a mask and blow their nose at the same time? However, as the week came to an end, my kids were eager to return to school. Unfortunately, the child who had been exposed to COVID-19 wasn’t allowed back for ten days and couldn’t ride the bus for fourteen.
Thus, my child returned to learning from home, relying on paper packets and online assignments. I was thrust back into the world of remote learning, trying to balance moments of joy—like playing outside—with the inevitable stress and exhaustion.
Once all my children were back in school, I realized that, with four kids, I would likely face more quarantines throughout the year. Parents, brace yourselves; it’s going to be a wild ride.
I genuinely appreciate that our school districts are working hard to keep everyone safe during this pandemic. The precautions and quarantines are necessary, even if we are all weary of the constant interruptions. More exposure notifications and calls from the nurse will surely follow.
With this reality in mind, we need to adjust our expectations. This isn’t the time to aim for perfection. Our kids aren’t going to “catch up” from the time they missed in-person school last year. After all, who are they falling behind compared to?
I know it sounds cliché, but it is what it is. When our kids spend significant time learning at home instead of in a classroom with their peers and trained educators, their education will become messy. Even when they are physically present in school, precautionary measures restrict their access to a full educational experience. There’s no going back to the way things were, and everyone is struggling in their own way.
Parents, let’s ease up on our kids. We need to stop obsessing over their grades and instead focus on the fact that learning during a pandemic is a unique challenge for all of us. If they manage to complete the bare minimum right now, I’ll consider that a win.
We should also extend grace to our teachers, who are doing their best amid these chaotic circumstances. Many are juggling their own children who are also navigating remote learning and quarantine challenges.
We must stop believing that our children’s academic success will determine their future. Instead, let’s do our best and accept what we cannot control. Embracing this situation rather than resisting it might be the best course of action. Our attitude toward our kids and their educators is something we can influence.
The sooner we accept that this school year will resemble a roller coaster of uncertainty, the better prepared we will be. How we handle this year will teach our children valuable lessons about resilience.
Am I thrilled that just a month into the school year my kids were at home with a common cold, and one had to stay home for two weeks due to COVID-19 protocols? Not at all. However, I quickly realized that I had a choice: I could either help my child continue learning or let them struggle alone. The latter would only add more pressure on both my child and their teacher, and the real challenge we face is the pandemic itself.
Learning from home isn’t the same as traditional homeschooling, nor does it compare to in-person classroom experiences. But when the inevitable quarantine comes, it’s the option we have. While I hope we won’t face multiple quarantines, I can choose how to respond. Embracing this opportunity sounds far more appealing than fighting against it.
For more insights on navigating parenthood during these challenging times, check out this related post, How to Cope with Home Insemination. Additionally, for a comprehensive guide to the process, visit Make a Mom for their extensive resources. If you’re seeking information on infertility, WomensHealth.gov is an excellent resource.
Summary
The pandemic has reshaped our approach to education, with quarantines and remote learning becoming a common reality. As parents, we must adjust our expectations, focus on our children’s well-being, and support our teachers through this challenging time. Embracing the situation and maintaining a positive attitude is essential for navigating this new normal.
Keyphrase: home learning during quarantine
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