Back to School
10/05/2020
Returning to school has been a hot topic and a stressor for every family. Whether you are the parent that is fearful for your child to return, the parent who wants their child to return in person but doesn’t have the choice or the parent juggling a hybrid schedule, it is stressful. And don’t forget about the kids who are stressed with the changes they have to embrace. I’m the lucky parent of having kids in three different school districts and three different return to school plans. We are the juggling household and I know one day I’m going to forget something and mix up the schedules and I’m okay with that.
One child has a hybrid schedule with half days, two days in school and three days virtual. Two children are 100% virtual, five full days a week. And Holden is hybrid with 2-3 days at school and the other 2-3 days at home. The two children that are hybrid have different schedules for their in person days, I know I’ll screw that up eventually.
It’s always important to understand that each option has their own pros and cons and it will never be perfect. Parents won’t always see eye to eye and neither will teachers and school districts. I do believe we are all trying our best. I think safety precautions are important and I also feel that our children really need to see other kids and interact with their peers. Staying home is obviously the safest physical precaution. I don’t want to get COVID-19 and I don’t want my kids to get it either but I am all about them being able to be in school. I personally think the hybrid option is chaotic but I also feel that these districts really tried to meet in the middle for families.
Ultimately, we all need to try our best in following the precautions to limit exposure/spread. Don’t be 100% fearful and don’t be an arrogant jerk face either, let’s meet in the middle. I am scared, but I do want my kids to live their life to the most. So when I’m out and about and see people being careless on purpose, I do want to punch you in the face; but I won’t. I hate it when people say “If you don’t want to get it then stay home and let the rest of us live our lives normally”. That really isn’t fair to those of us that are trying our best to meet you halfway. And it’s definitely not fair to those of use that are medically fragile or have medically fragile children/family members.
I was definitely very anxious and scared for Holden to go back to school. I absolutely do not want him to get COVID and we follow CDC recommended guidelines to the best of our ability. But it is important for him to attend school both for himself and for our family. He receives such special services at school and I know that all the families of special needs children have been struggling with school being out. There is no where else for our kids to go. There are no comparable services for them to receive virtually and there are no babysitters or family members that can watch these kids. If you think your healthy kids are missing out on school services, it is nothing in comparison to what kids like ours need.
Be kind to one another. Hear each other out and value each person’s preference. Don’t be so selfish to believe that what you prefer is the only way.