Classroom or Remote Learning: If you have the option, how do you choose?

As the new school year is approaching for many in other states, I couldn’t help but think what would be the right choice for my children. Do I send them to school for the option of hybrid (two days at school and three days remote learning) or do I have them stay home for full remote learning? Some states have already decided on full remote learning and some have not. Making this choice can give any parent stress because as parents, we don’t know if we’re making the right decision. However, with what is going on in the world, we really don’t know if tomorrow they change everyone to full remote learning. That is why it’s best to not overwhelm yourself because we really don’t know what will happen and we might not even have that choice.

The most important thing right now as parents is to be there for your kids by showing them you care for their feelings regardless of the choice you make. As adults and parents, we get so caught up on our own responsibilities, we don’t realize what our children are feeling about all of this. Have you asked your child how they feel? Do they want to go to school? Are they comfortable wearing a mask all day? Are they nervous about getting Coronavirus? Maybe asking your children these questions may help with your decision, if both the traditional and remote learning are an option for you and your family. Not every family have this option because of their current work situation.

Through the last few months that we’ve had remote learning, I’ve seen how much my kids are missing that daily routine of going to school, learning one on one, interacting with peers, and communicating with their teacher in person. Remote learning is not the same as in person learning. It’s two completely different learning styles but we just have to do what’s best for our children and our individual situation in this current moment. The one thing I learned is that, as parents we all have different opinions. Many of my friends chose full remote learning and many of my friends chose hybrid learning. As a mom and parent, what I will always stand for is that every single one of my friends are entitled to their opinion and have every right to believe what is best for their children. We are all in this journey together after all.

Whatever you decide for your child is not either right or wrong. We really don’t know what can happen tomorrow, that is why overwhelming ourselves with thoughts of the “what ifs” won’t help in any way. Just focus on your family as a whole, what will work best for your family, and the school district’s choices you were given. Just remember, you are not alone in this decision and it’s comforting knowing we are all in this together.