Kid's Going to School

You remember that scene in the Titanic after it sank and the survivors (so far) are looking for a little flotsam to hang onto? It feels a little like that. And we're already tired. That's district and school staff trying to figure out how to open next year.

People who know kids best, and people who know what happened during the first stab at distance learning with their students' behavior, attitude and academic performance are going to try to figure out how best to have school this year.

They're teachers and school administrators and parents (teachers and administrators have their own kids in school, too, you know). And they know about running a school, although in the circumstances, they're just using their best judgment to navigate this newness. They also don't want to get sick with coronavirus. They don't want your kids to get it and take it home.

Based on that, and wanting to teach your kids the best they can, they're going to come up with some solutions (there are a million ways to do this). Most plans I've heard include more than one option for parents. If you think principals aren't stressed out of their minds and overwhelmed, guess again. We're ALL in over our heads, trying to find a lifeboat.

So, about that, chill out and do what you need to do for your family. Stay informed, your school/ district website for the latest. If your kid's (or kids') school(s) have a choice you can live with, take it. If you need to put your kid in a different school, or enroll them in a charter that matches your preferences, or home-school them, or or find a private school or something else that better suits their/your needs, then just do it and don't waste your time regretting or second-guessing yourself. There are no right answers here (just like life in general). There are just different choices. We all have different comfort levels for risk, and different situations at home. But, be thoughtful. You know your kids (ask them, listen to them, talk about it a lot) but you make the decision for the younger ones. Respect their struggles and needs and wants, but that doesn't mean you give in to unhealthy choices for them. Time to adult, again.

This won't be easy for anyone.

And if you change your mind when school starts, do what you can to change the your situation. How can you know now what it will actually be like when it starts? I don't.  Here's what won't help: shrill anger, blaming, wringing your hands and gnashing your teeth, despair, worry, ignorance. Here's what will: forbearance, fortitude, flexibility, knowledge, understanding, tolerance, grace, informed conviction, self care for you and your family.

You can make your voice known, participate in the planning if you can, network, discuss it with other parents, teachers, others. Don't let someone make you feel bad about your choice, but keep your mind open to other possibilities as you learn more.  And here's wishing you a dollop of good luck.