My heart goes out to all parents who have school aged children left adrift during this pandemic. My kids are grown, with children of their own, so I am not directly affect by this. However, untrained parents now trying to be the teacher is not going to work out well for a vast majority of kids. I can't imagine the stress of wading through the vast amount of  information and misinformation revolving around school openings, remote learning, child care, etc. I certainly would not want to be faced with deciding to send my kids off to school and risk infection or utilizing remote learning which is not very practical or beneficial for young children. Particularly affected are kids with special needs who are missing out on vital therapies at this time.

Keeping schools closed is not just a poor educational choice for the kids, but it is also a poor second best for their emotional well being as well. I remember the book " All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum. School is not only about learning the ABC's, its about learning how to interact with others, play fair, be helpful, wait your turn, respect authority, etc. No amount of video learning will teach a child these life lessons. For those parents who try to limit screen time for their kids, encouraging more screen time, even for school, sends a mixed message. 
At the moment, children can still go outside to play, run around, perhaps interact with friends while wearing a mask and social distancing of course.  But what happens when the weather changes and it is no longer feasible to spend lots of time outdoors? Being cooped up in the house all day is not good for their emotional health.
But I get it. We have to keep our kids safe and well, not only for their sakes but for the sake of others in their households and their communities. How can we satisfy both sides of the debate?
I don't know but I sure am glad I don't have to make that choice.

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