We are well into the school year like none we have ever seen before.  Many of our children are schooling from home.  In our state (of Florida), parents have the option of sending their child for face to face instruction in school or taking the virtual option.  If you live in a state where you do not have this option please see our blog post on tips for improving virtual instruction here: https://www.speechbuilders.org/tips-for-making-teletherapy-and-online-school-a-success/

But for those us that have a choice-actually making the choice can be a stressful one.  You want (or even need) your child to go to school but you want to keep them and your other family members safe.  So today here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you make your decision for the upcoming semester:

1. How has my child performed in virtual school done over the last semester?

   Some of our kids are really thriving in virtual school.  But honestly some are not.  If you feel that your child is really struggling or falling behind in work-it may be time to rethink virtual school.

2. How am I feeling after the last semester?  Am I overwhelmed? Stressed?  Having to coordinate schooling AND still work?

   As a parent, are you ok?  Your well-being and emotional status are also vital to this decision.  Statistics show that during this pandemic moms are taking on more responsibility than ever before. You have to be ok for too.  It is ok if you need to send your child back to school for the sake your relationship with your child or your mental sanity.  You are no good to anyone if you are heading towards having a mental breakdown.

3. How is my child’s mental state?

   Some of our children love the independence and solitude of virtual school.  But some of our kids are seriously struggling with depression and anxiety. If you are keeping them safe from the virus but it results in depression in your child-is it truly keeping them safe? In the end we want whole children-children that are academically, socially, mentally and spiritually sound.

4. How are my child’s academic skills?

   If your child had challenges going into this school year-chances are they may be falling behind academically.  On the other hand if your child is thriving in virtual school-you may see an increase in their skills.

5. Does my child thrive in the virtual school environment?

6. Does my child thrive when at face to face school?

7. What ever decision I make for schooling-is it a decision myself and my partner made?  Or am I being influenced by others in this decision for MY child?

    I know that you already know this-but at the end of it all-what ever decision that you choose to make for your child-is truly your decision-no parent, grandparent, friend, person on social media should have input on this.  That being said-if you choose to send your child back to school you may have to decrease the child’s exposure to their grandparents or other relatives that are vulnerable.

8. If my child goes to school are there ways I can decrease exposure on the off time?

   There are parents that have made the decision to stop all other extracurricular activities due to the fact that their child is gong to school face to face.  This may be an option for you.

9. If I decide to go (or continue) virtual school are there ways I can increase my child’s opportunity to socialize with others?

   Giving your child to socialize: outdoor sports, learning coop, bring in a tutor or an assistant to sit with your child while you work/ maintain household may be a good way to increase opportunities for socialization.

10. Do I feel peace about the decision I have made?

    No need to elaborate on this one-check in with yourself.

I was going to turn these questions into a quiz-but this is a subject matter that needs more decision and thought than a Cosmo quiz.  So answer these questions honestly with yourself and your partner and come to the decision that is right for you.  In working with parents for almost 20 years, what I have come to know is that ALL parents want what is best for their child. When you make this decision from this standpoint-you can be confident in your choice. Stay safe out there.