Pandemic School Closures

I had no idea the toll the pandemic school closures would take on my children. “This lunch lady gig is not all it’s cracked up to be,” I thought as I dumped the contents of a Kraft mac n’ cheese box into boiling water. Our county in Virginia made the decision to engage in all virtual online learning during the pandemic. I thought my kids did well with virtual learning. Many did not. I never really understood how isolated they all felt. In my home we were OK, my sons had each other. After six months, it was clear they needed more.

Teachers

Teachers put in overtime, desperate to make the experience a good one while parents were trying to juggle a pandemic, their careers, and their children’s mental health. I can’t imagine how difficult It was for educators to speak to blank screens since so many kids didn’t turn on their cameras. Let’s not forget that many teachers had children too! In the midst of all of this, we had the negativity of social media, an election year in the United States, and many wannabe doctors telling the rest of us whether to mask up or try to convince us that COVID was a hoax.

Moms

When we experienced pandemic school closures, the response was varied. Some were angry and blamed the schools. Others, like myself were so focused on keeping our kids healthy that we just dealt with the cards we were dealt. Being a mom during the pandemic was hard and our mental load went on overdrive. We worked 12-15 hour days. Our roles as head chef, manager of IT and the constant clean up behind them while they struggled was exhausting. ,The hubby logged off of his computer at 6pm and eagerly asked “What’s for dinner!” How did Moms get time to breathe a little? We didn’t. Covid changed me.

The Power of Positivity

It was hard to be positive during this time. However, the example parents set and how they approached the pandemic was critical to how each child faired. The positive or negative tones in each household were magnified. We pushed through. My son was able to graduate and the kids celebrated outdoors to give some semblance of comfort. We got through the school closures together but it was a full time job.

Kids

My kids are well adjusted and were fortunate. Children who suffered with mental health issues before school closures were left behind. Studies have been done over the last couple of years to determine the fallout including this particular German study on mental health. As for our family? When September rolled around again, the schools in Virginia gave us a choice. We could stay home or go hybrid, and I was shocked when my son asked to go back. To be honest, I was embarrassed, because the entire time I told myself that everything was just fine. I gave him permission to go back and the joy and happiness that rolled off of him was a balm for my soul.