There seems to be only one thing parents are talking about this week and that is "what are you doing about back to school"? It has been an all-consuming, time consuming, stressful conversation. It has no right or wrong answer to a one size fits all approach, but a few things have come out of this conversation that I wanted to talk about.
We have got to treat each other better
I have been shocked and upset by the levels of anger and hatred online towards families who are struggling with this decision. We have no idea what families are going through behind closed doors. There could be an ill relative, a work situation, a mental health issue or something else and we cannot and should not be judging others and being nasty. This has been a hard time for everyone and we need to support people, not tear them down.
We need to look out for our kids
This is we as parents and we as a collective society. The back to school situation has highlighted how little we spend on schools in Ontario and how we need to take a hard look at class sizes, student support, public health, mental health and resources for children. Our kids have been at home for months and of course we want them back in school, in a routine AND with their friends and peers, but the current plan does not put in place smaller class sizes, a key recommendation from Sick Kids in Toronto. If the premise is flawed, then everything based on back to school will not work if class sizes are too large.
What's a parent to do?
There is no easy answer. Parents have to get back to work and we need to find a new "normal". Kids need routine. Parents are left with options, and the consensus seems to be hold your nose and pick the one that's the "least awful" for your family.
- Send your kids back to school
- Select the remote learning option and have your child learn at home following school board curriculum
- Homeschool your kids outside of the district system
- Pay for private school with smaller classes
- Create an academic pod and learn with one or two other families while paying a private teacher.
We need to support our teachers
No teacher wants to be in this situation. They have families as well and while some may argue they are about to be essential workers, teachers are not being paid enough or trained as health care workers, or given full PPE. Please be compassionate and remember this is new for teachers as well and they deserve our support.
This doesn't mean you should do nothing. Write or call your MP or MPP, share your concerns with schools and school boards. Talk to your friends, BUT do it in a way that is constructive. Our kids are important and we love them, but they are watching and now is the time to show them how to affect change in a positive way. It is a frustrating and scary time. Rely on your friends and family and know we are still all in this together, now more than ever. Good luck in your decision, we know it's not an easy one.
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