Oh my goodness… my kids absolutely need to go back to school this fall, or I am going to lose it! I don’t know about you, but if they can’t return, I’m ready to do just about anything. If that means wearing masks? Fantastic! If it means doing handstands under the full moon? I’m in! Let’s do whatever it takes to get our little ones back into the classroom safely during this never-ending pandemic, please!
When summer break began, it seemed like we were finally getting back to normal. But now, with the rise in Covid cases, my anxiety is climbing with each headline. Honestly, it’s a miracle I survived the last school year with my sanity intact. It took weekly therapy sessions, daily prayers, and plenty of comfort food to get through. I can finally see a glimmer of hope at the end of this long tunnel of nearly 24/7 parenting, and I simply can’t go back to that chaos.
Don’t misunderstand me—I adore my kids! But, wow, I can’t endure another year like this. If schools close again, I might seriously think about checking myself into a facility with a therapist available all the time. Before anyone gets upset, I’m completely serious about this. I know I’m not the only parent hanging by a thread, eager for their kids to return to school.
I understand that some families are still hesitant about sending their children back, opting for homeschooling or virtual classes again. I genuinely believe everyone should choose what’s best for their situation. But that’s not for me. The thought of managing four kids, from pre-K to high school, is overwhelming. I know I don’t have the mental or emotional strength to handle over 50 virtual classes a week, juggle my job, prepare three meals plus countless snacks, and clean the house repeatedly like it’s Groundhog Day.
And it’s not just about me. My kids need to go back to school as well. My youngest has a speech delay and relies on in-person services for his language development. My social butterfly daughter craves interaction with her friends. I’m pretty sure my energetic fifth grader would lose interest in school entirely if he has to endure another online class, and honestly, I wouldn’t blame him. Plus, my teenager definitely doesn’t want to be cooped up at home all day with his “lame” parents and annoying younger siblings.
Schools are set to open soon, but there are valid concerns. New variants are spreading, and children are contracting Covid. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported nearly 72,000 new Covid cases among children as of July 29. Florida, a major hotspot, recorded over 10,000 cases in kids under 12 within a week, along with more than 11,000 among those aged 12 to 19.
While many schools have improved ventilation and implemented strict cleaning and mask protocols, it may not be enough for some families. Not all districts will require masks, and not every school has clear plans for outbreaks. Some districts aren’t offering virtual options at all, so I understand why some parents choose to keep their children home.
I feel fortunate that I have options if schools were to close again, but many families would face dire situations. We’re talking about people losing jobs and struggling to provide even basic needs.
I’m urging everyone to get vaccinated, practice social distancing, and wear masks, even when it seems unnecessary. Because if schools shut down again, I might just go completely nuts and take it out on anyone who seems to be causing trouble. And I have a feeling I could rally a whole army of frustrated parents to join me.
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