The Back to School (In Person) Blues

Children returning to school during the current pandemic is a touchy subject for many. All we can do is the best we can.

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Well, it’s official. My child is going back to school. In person.

The children in my school district will start going to school four days a week, beginning February 16. This is a huge change from the e-learning we have been doing since after the holiday break.

How do I feel about it? I’m torn. I mean, what could possibly go wrong with children going back to school during a pandemic?

I have the back to school (in person) blues.

There are both positives and negatives to this situation.

Here are the negatives for me.

  1. I don’t see where scientific data supports the decision for schools to open.
  2. This will be a tremendous increase in the risk of exposure for the kids and the school staff.
  3. I can’t monitor if my child is following the proper guidelines (keeping her mask on, washing her hands thoroughly and frequently).
  4. We won’t get to spend as much time together as a family.

Here are the things I view as positives.

  1. The quality of learning will improve.
  2. I don’t have to navigate trying to work from home, and guiding my child through her school day.
  3. If my internet goes out, it won’t affect her being connected to her classroom (this has happened several times).
  4. The kids will be able to socialize with each other.
  5. A sense of normalcy that will hopefully help balance the anxieties that have come from being at home for almost 11 months.

I realize that visually, the positives outweigh the negatives with returning to school. However, the negatives for me are huge! I haven’t had anyone that I know personally to pass away from COVID, but I have had several family members and friends contract the virus, and they are still dealing with lingering effects.

As a single mom who works full time, I don’t have the luxury of being able to continue with the e-learning option being provided by the district. It’s my hope that those with the option to remain in e-learning will take advantage of it. That would truly reduce overcrowding the classrooms, which would in turn limit the exposure for teachers and our children.

We can only do the best that our unique situations allow us to do. Do what works for your family. Make sure your children know to sneeze and cough in their elbow, wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, and wear their masks properly.

I’m sending good vibes to anyone with the returning to school blues, like me.

How do you feel about your children returning to school in person?

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