It all began during a long weekend. We had planned to indulge in some much-needed relaxation: sleeping in, swimming, and tackling a few home projects. But when one of my kids mentioned a sore throat, I brushed it off as just allergies. A few hours later, another child started sniffling, also claiming her throat hurt. Soon enough, it felt like a chain reaction as each of my kids began voicing similar complaints.
Being responsible parents, we took them for COVID testing as soon as their doctor’s office opened. We faced a tense 48-hour wait for results, so we set them up at home with schoolwork while we anxiously awaited the verdict. Then, I received a call from a school nurse delivering the dreaded news: one of my children had been exposed to a student who tested positive for COVID. Just four weeks back to school, and already my kids were in quarantine.
Despite taking all precautions since last March, it became clear that exposure at school was the only way my children could have contracted COVID. Fortunately, two days after their tests, the pediatrician’s nurse called with good news: they all had rhinovirus, not COVID. Thank goodness!
Naturally, I decided to keep them home until their cold symptoms cleared up. After all, how can you wear a mask and blow your nose at the same time? As the week progressed, my kids were eager to return to school. However, the child exposed to COVID had to stay home for ten days and couldn’t ride the bus for fourteen.
For two weeks, my child became a remote learner again, using paper packets and online assignments from the teacher. It felt like I was thrown back into the remote learning world, and my purpose shifted to keeping them engaged. We had moments of happiness, especially playing outside, but also faced sheer exhaustion and frustration.
Once all my children returned to school, I realized that this school year, despite masks and safety protocols, would involve frequent quarantines. Parents, brace yourselves for a bumpy ride.
I want to emphasize that I appreciate our school districts’ efforts to keep students and staff safe during the pandemic. The necessary precautions and quarantines are vital. However, none of us, including parents, students, or educators, are looking forward to the inevitable disruptions. More exposures and phone calls from the nurse are on the horizon.
Given the current reality, we must manage our expectations. This isn’t the time to aim high. Our children won’t “catch up” for the time lost in in-person schooling last year. Let’s remember, they aren’t falling behind; rather, they’re navigating a unique situation.
I know it sounds cliché, but it is what it is. When kids spend time learning from home instead of with peers and trained educators, their education will be messy. Even when in school, masks and safety measures restrict some of their learning opportunities. With no clear end in sight, we must accept that everyone is struggling.
Parents, it’s time to ease up on our kids. We need to stop obsessing over their grades and pressuring them. Learning during a pandemic is unlike anything we’ve experienced before. If our kids get the basics during this time, that’s a win.
Let’s also extend grace to our teachers. They’re doing their best amidst the chaos, juggling teaching our children while also managing their own kids—who are facing remote learning and quarantine challenges.
We must stop thinking our kids’ success in school will determine their futures. Perhaps we should focus on doing our best right now and let go of the rest. None of us enjoy the pandemic, so instead of resisting it, let’s find ways to embrace what we can control—our attitude towards our children and their educators.
The sooner we accept that this year will be a roller coaster ride unlike any other, the better. How we navigate this school year will set an example for our kids.
Am I thrilled that only a month into the school year my children faced a cold and one had to stay home for two weeks due to COVID policies? Not at all. However, I realized I could either help my child continue learning or let them struggle alone—something that would only create more stress for both my child and their teacher. The real challenge here is the pandemic itself.
Learning from home isn’t the same as homeschooling, nor does it compare to in-person classroom experiences. However, it’s the reality we face when quarantine occurs. I hope we don’t experience many more, but if we do, I can either resist or embrace the opportunity. I choose to embrace the latter.
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Summary:
As we navigate the complexities of another school year, the challenges of quarantine and remote learning are becoming more familiar. Parents need to manage expectations and support their children through this unique experience, understanding that the focus should be on well-being rather than academic pressure. Embracing the opportunity to learn in this new landscape rather than resisting it will ultimately help both parents and kids cope with the ongoing uncertainties.
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