The Bittersweet Struggle Of Sending Kids Back To School

When the powers-that-be commanded us to send our kids back to school I did a happy dance and mourned all at the same time.

But, worries aside, let’s admit it, school days are just so darn productive!

Before even waking my kids to get ready for school I had already folded and put away a load of laundry, put another to dry as well as a fresh load to wash. Made and packed four lunches, meditated AND even had a HOT cup of coffee!

I hadn’t achieved anything remotely close to that in over two months! Long before lockdown officially started, because that’s how long I had kept all my little ones at home for.

I didn’t want to send them back to school

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been one of those parents who rejoices at the thought of my kids going back to school- not that there’s anything wrong with celebrating getting a break from one’s children, but I just can’t help feeling like I’m being replaced by their incredible teachers.

That my kids forget I exist as soon as they walk through the school gates. And perhaps worst of all that they have more fun at school than with me… although they try to reassure me this is not the case, I still find it hard to believe them.

I don’t think many parents would be looking forward to sending their little ones back to school right now with the uncertainty of a second wave of COVID19 looming anyway. No matter what we’re doing throughout the day I bet wondering whether our little ones are remembering to wash their hands properly is still at the back of our minds.

It’s still not plain sailing

Of course my productivity was met with obstacles the moment my older kids were at school. Out of no where my two year old decided to take a pencil to the wardrobe as though she thought it looked too plain. Bringing my morning plans to a standstill whilst I did my best to remove her creativity.

Still, even with the baby needing constant attention, the two year old looking for ways to create mess, and my five year old wanting me to play dolls with her- it is unbelievable the amount of tasks I am able to conquer on a school day!

NOTHING got done!

For over two months practically nothing got done and it looked like my home had spewed unfolded laundry all over the house! Now it was only midday and just one basket remained!

Learning from home was a great experience, but boy oh boy was it time consuming! Maybe if I were a more organised mother I would have still been on top of everything during lockdown, but I’m happy to admit that I’m the type to wing everything in life and getting through four lots of learning was the most I could accomplish in a day (as well as keeping them all alive I guess).

Back to school means Back in Control

I’m sure things went this smoothly prior to isolation as well, but I had completely forgotten how incredible it felt to be back in control of the basics in life, to enjoy having a cup of coffee with my Dad… heck to actually sit down for just a moment and do something for myself, like writing this article.

The most simple things in life honestly feel the greatest to me. And I hope that the person reading this is enjoying getting back to a bit of normality in your life too, that you and your loved ones are well and that everyone stays healthy as restrictions are lifted.

There is an incredible amount of magic and wonder in the everyday… like I wonder how I’m going to get all this texta off the baby and where it appeared from… I knew my two year old was simply too quiet!

How do you feel about sending your kids back to school? Tell us in the comments below.

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28 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 24 Sep 2023
    8:15 am
Ive always loved having my kids at home so I would happily have continued to keep them at home

- - mom111059 said
  - 20 Jan 2021
    7:13 pm
It’s never easy for parents.

- - mom111059 said
  - 30 Jun 2020
    12:32 pm
Its hard to let go esp. with Covid19 but they need to be with friends and have some normality.

- - MisChip said
  - 10 Jun 2020
    10:36 pm
My kids arent school age yet – but as a teacher on mat leave… I am so glad that I am not working at the moment.

- - MishFitzgerald said
  - 01 Jun 2020
    8:22 am
My daughter still had one week left of remote learning and she’s quite apprehensive about going back. I think it will be good for her to reconnect with her friends and teacher, but I am a bit nervous. I’m looking forward to getting back on top of my own work, but will certainly miss having her here with me too.

- - DaffyD said
  - 31 May 2020
    11:03 am
I was very concerned as my daughter has asthma I am concerned if she caught it she would get quiet sick. In the end on medical advice I reluctantly sent her back. Education is also important

- - Ellen said
  - 31 May 2020
    8:04 am
I was happy for them to go back; good for them and me

- - BellaB said
  - 30 May 2020
    6:57 pm
I feel happier now they’ve been back for a few days – they’re so obviously enjoying it.

- - mom418449 said
  - 29 May 2020
    10:51 am
I miss my daughter now that she is back at school, but on the up side I’m actually getting work done!

- - ashna9 said
  - 28 May 2020
    8:48 pm
I love school holidays but I love when they go back to school too.

- - tessie said
  - 28 May 2020
    2:57 pm
I didn’t have this issue but I do feel for all the Mums out there going through this. I’m still worried about this virus. I just hope all the kids and parents remain safe and well.

- - ciara-27@live.com said
  - 28 May 2020
    3:31 am
Not to excited about it, but my son needs to get back to pre school.
I’m actually worried he’ll bring the virus home to me.
So yeah school at the moment is not a fun thought.

- - Ellen said
  - 28 May 2020
    3:09 am
I approached school for my 10yr old who has RAD to return to school after the Easter holiday as we were experiencing a relapse and structure is good for her. Then my youngest who has Down Syndrome went back on the 11th. Home schooling her was rather intense but we did well. My eldest 2 went back this week. They were all very happy to start again, except for my son (even though he struggled severely with learning from home). And myself ? I loved to have them at home and I love to have them back to school

- - LeeLee said
  - 28 May 2020
    2:21 am
I’m still feeling like it’s all happening a bit soon. I’m expecting a second wave But honestly I’d love to be wrong and just think later that I was over cautious.

- - mom101628 said
  - 27 May 2020
    10:50 pm
Bet your children just can’t wait to get back to school and connect with their friends again.

- - mom321515 said
  - 27 May 2020
    10:04 pm
My kids aren’t quite school age yet but my son has been going to daycare one day a week and I’m not sure whether to send him back or not. It is a very small group he’s in but I am still unsure if it’s right to send him back.

- - shanika said
  - 27 May 2020
    9:10 pm
I have mix feeling.I love to see my kids happy faces when they see their friends and teachers back after long time.So do i hardly got the me time to do something i enjoy.

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 27 May 2020
    8:26 pm
It is so hard but face-to-face learning is good.

- - Myrlie said
  - 27 May 2020
    7:33 pm
Yep having huge mixed feelings about sending my kindy kid to school next week. She has a development issue that really needs group environments to help, so I’d love to send her so she can work on her coping mechanisms. But living with elderly mother in law, young toddler and myself who has respiratory problems, I’m really worried about my daughter bringing covid 19 home. I also know we won’t get a potential vaccine for a year yet if at all, and my daughter still needs education and she is very unwilling to be taught by me, trust me I’ve been trying for almost 5 years. My 1yo is much more willing to learn from me. If it was my youngest, i’d happily keep her home knowing she would be ok, I just don’t know about my eldest. I can’t get a straight answer from their Dad. He is home from Uni/work indefinitely too but says ultimately it’s up to me to make the right decision.

God that felt good. I really need to start a diary again even if it doesn’t help me make a decision

- - mom450498 said
  - 27 May 2020
    5:30 pm
There’s a mix of anxiety and relief. Fearing that they will forget you exist and have more fun at school than with you isn’t necessarily a bad thing and it could be true but it gives them an opportunity to miss you and to develop in other skills. Being around peers in the classroom will help them to get back into the learning zone.