As a parent of three children, I have witnessed firsthand the unexpected challenges that homeschooling has brought into our lives. My eldest has found himself grappling with procrastination, while my middle child struggles with the self-assurance needed to tackle her assignments independently. Meanwhile, our youngest, just six years old, is facing significant difficulties with focus, which is quite typical at her age.
Beyond academics, all three of my kids have exhibited behaviors that caught me off guard. They have been acting out in ways I never anticipated, experiencing sleep disturbances, and expressing a deep yearning to reconnect with their friends. It’s been a tough adjustment for them, and it seems I am not alone in this struggle. A recent NPR survey revealed alarming trends: children are facing nightmares, tantrums, emotional regressions, and even thoughts of self-harm as a consequence of being out of school.
The closures of schools were essential for safeguarding our children and communities against the COVID-19 pandemic. While I have supported these measures for public health reasons, the reality is that we are now faced with a difficult dilemma: keeping children at home to minimize their risk of infection, while potentially jeopardizing their mental well-being by depriving them of the vital social interactions and emotional support that school provides.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, an esteemed pediatrician and editor of JAMA Pediatrics, emphasizes that the importance of social-emotional connections among children cannot be overlooked. She states, “It is crucial for young children to engage with their peers in both structured and unstructured play to foster their development.”
The impact of school closures extends beyond academics; it also poses significant emotional challenges for children. Many parents have noted an increased need for comfort and attention from their kids, especially during nighttime routines. I’ve found myself reading more stories to my girls, who have taken to sharing a bed for comfort, and my son, who previously didn’t often reach out, has begun spending hours on the phone trying to maintain connections with friends.
Unlike adults, who can turn to social media and other support systems to process their feelings during these unprecedented times, children lack those outlets. As a result, their feelings often manifest in anxiety, sleepless nights, and even nightmares.
Moreover, the challenges extend beyond emotional struggles. Children who face abuse or neglect may not have the mechanisms in place to alert trusted adults when school is not in session. This is a distressing reality of school closures. According to reports, countries like China and the UK have seen spikes in domestic violence coinciding with the pandemic, and similar trends are emerging in the United States. In Salt Lake City, for instance, domestic violence reports have increased by 33% during lockdowns, highlighting that for some children, home can be a perilous environment.
Consequently, the urgency to reopen schools cannot be overstated. It is essential not only for educational continuity but also for the safety and emotional health of our children. They need their secure environment back. However, the pressing question remains: can schools be reopened safely amid the ongoing threat of COVID-19? The CDC has released guidelines, but many educators find themselves grappling with how to implement these recommendations effectively while ensuring the health of students and staff.
My wife, who works at our children’s school, mentioned that discussions are underway regarding a strict health policy. For example, any child showing symptoms like a stuffy nose may be sent home. This raises concerns, especially during allergy season!
In a recent NPR interview, Dr. Thompson remarked on the need for diverse expert opinions to carefully weigh the risks associated with reopening schools against the consequences of keeping them closed. The consensus is that schools should prioritize students who are most vulnerable, including those with heightened educational needs and those at risk of abuse.
The timeline for these changes will heavily depend on how long the pandemic continues to affect our daily lives. For more insights on this critical topic, you can read our related blog post here.
In summary, reopening schools should be prioritized to address the educational and emotional needs of children. The balance of health risks must be carefully managed to ensure the well-being of our future generations.
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