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You will be judged. I keep saying this to myself because I know that it is true. If I decide to keep Tyler at home, I will be judged. If I decide to send him to school, I will be judged.
His school has given parents the option on wether they do virtual or at home. I know that not all parents will be given this choice. Our school district is only opening virtually for the 1st month and then they will reassess. Different districts are coming up with different models but what is the "right" thing to do?
I belong to a mom group online and there are thousands of moms. They each have different opinions and different concerns. As I prepared to write this blog, I read through their comments and quickly realized that all of these mothers had a point. Some did not want to send their child to school at all. They believe it is too much of a risk. Some were ready to send them to school today if it was open. They believe that children need social interaction and normalcy back in their lives. Some moms are single parents with full time jobs and don't have the luxury to make a choice they feel comfortable with.
As parents, we want what is best for our kids. What happens when you do not know what is best? What happens when you are getting information from a million sources and everyone has something different to say? What happens when your heart and mind pull you in different directions? We use our momma bear instinct.
Moms are use to one thing...judgment. From the moment that you pee positive on that stick, people will be giving you their unsolicited advice and their unwanted opinions. It got under my skin as a first time mom. Now I nod my head and laugh. We all have a gut feeling. We know our kids and we know what is best for them. We also tend to second guess ourselves. DON'T!
I was given a choice and my son will be going to school. He is lucky enough to be going to a very small school that will be taking endless precautions. His teacher called to introduce herself and is anxious to get back to class. My son does not do well when school is closed. He breaks down easily, he gets sad, and he isn't the sweet boy we all know and love. School is a happy place for him and I am blessed that he will be able to continue. Again, this is MY son. Your children may be different.
Maybe your child thrives at home. Maybe your child hated virtual school. Maybe your child was bullied and being home and learning is a dream come true. Maybe your child would do anything to sit at the lunch table with his friends. All kids are different and no one knows them better than their parents. Don't let other people influence your decision.
Whether the choice was made for you or you had to make a choice, you will do the best you can. You always do. Remember that. I mourn the fact that he will not have a regular kindergarten year. I worry about him wearing his mask and feeling overwhelmed at all the procedures put in place to keep him safe. There will be parents and students mourning the traditional 1st day of school pictures or wearing their Senior crowns in the hallways because they finally made it. It will all be tough but we have to be tougher! Don't let your child sense your fears. We have put enough on their tiny plates.
Mama Bear..Papa Bear...You can do this. We can do this. Don't judge other parents choices. There is no place for "I told you so". "I told you he would get depressed at home." "I told you he would get sick at school." It is not your place. We have to help each other. Raise each other up. We need it now more than ever.