Going back to school – there are so many schools of thought

And so we have just had the first week of non-keyworker children being allowed back to school, and Facebook is full of opinion on whether the government have been right or wrong to allow this.  But this isn’t a government decision really is it? This is a parent decision, as the advise from the government has included “there will be no fines if you do not return your children to school now.”  Something I have found quite amazing during this decision making is the number of parents who rely on other people to make their decisions for them.   We all have the same news channels and we all hear the same information. It is down to us as individuals though to interpret that information and make our best choices.

Based on this, I’ve put a little quiz together this week, so you can see which group you are in, and then take full responsibility for your own choice.  Which group are you in?

Quesetion 1	What is your view on home schooling?
a)	What’s that? I thought the BBC and Joe Wicks were doing it all for us!
b)	Up and dressed at 8, sat at the table at 9, probably allowed a lunch break if they’ve done well
c)	We do a bit of Maths and English but the rest of the time is about us spending time together
d)	Where are the kids? I think they’ve gone out or are still asleep
e)	We have to do it because we are stuck at home. We can’t go out so home schooling it is
Question 2	Are the schools ready to take back the children?
a)	Yes, no, no, yes. I don’t know because other people keep changing their minds. I’ll find out when I go to the park with Shaz later
b)	Tables are set, cleaning materials are in, teachers are prepared. Let’s go
c)	Not really thought about it, we’re too busy doing our family thing to think about school. They might be ready though
d)	No, I don’t think the teachers are ready. They’ve been off too for the past 11 weeks so they can’t be ready to take the kids back yet
e)	Not mine. I don’t care about what other people are doing, but mine are better off at home. It’s safer that way
Question 3	Are you ready for the easing of lockdown?
a)	Well I do like heading off to the beach at the weekend, but I think people should stay away from me whilst I’m there, if they can… it’ll be so nice for the kids to see their friends too
b)	Yes, we can’t continue like this for ever, or even until they get a vaccine. Let’s get back to some normality now but be cautious at the same time
c)	I don’t want to lose this time we’re spending together. Maybe going out a little more won’t hurt though
d)	Sure. I can’t have everyone under my feet continuously. That’s why the kids are out with their mates during the day.
e)	Not until I can be sure that there is a huge decline or a vaccine

 Answers. If you scored mostly:

 a)    You’re in the “Well so and so on Facebook isn’t group” – These are the parents who cannot make their own decisions, or don’t want to be held countable for the decisions that make, should it all go tits up.  If they send their kids back to school and they get ill, they can blame the government, exactly the same as when they all meet in the park and forget to socially distance. That’s not their fault either.

 b)    You are in the “Off you go kids group" – this group of parents have had enough home schooling. They’ve done what’s asked of them as best they can, and they now have heard that there is little risk to their children going back to school and little risk of them bringing the virus home.  The scientists have worked with the government and the schools have worked to make changes so let’s have a little faith in them.

 c)    You’re in the “Relishing this new normal group” – this  is the group of parents who have spent a lot of time weighing up the pros and cons and have a list of 50/50. But these families have realised how valuable their time together has been. They have a structure in place for home schooling, but also for playing in the garden, for spending really good quality time together, maybe the parents are furloughed or working from home and they’ve understood why they had children in the first place. They have had the best quality time whilst being forced to stay at home that they’re not quite ready to end it. Making memories but learning at the same time. They do say that family time is just as important as education don’t they!

 d)    You’re in the “I forgot about the kids group” – whilst some parents are working from home, some are sitting in the garden or the park furloughed and some are still going to work, their kids are fending for themselves.  Not really fussed about school, can’t really get good internet connection because the Playstation is still plugged in so might as well enjoy this super long holiday and blame the teachers for their lack of learning when they go back in September.  Kids will be kids eh?

 e)    You’re in the “Vulnerable families” – this group of parents have someone close to them who is vulnerable. There is no chance that they are ready to unleash their children into a building full of other children who may be carriers, and therefore risk their own children coming home and passing on the virus to more exposed family members.  Hoping for a vaccine before too long.

We are all individuals, we can fit into any of the groups above, but just remember. You made that choice, so don’t blame anyone else if you’re not happy with the outcome.  Stay safe guys.