There have been at least five pandemics in the last 140 years. The 1918 influenza pandemic is the most severe pandemic in recent history. Since many of us are a little apprehensive about sending our children back to school in a pandemic, it is crucial to talk about the essential things we need to equip our children with to protect them even as they go back to school to get their minds educated. Many children will do virtual learning. Some parents have chosen in-school learning while some chose hybrid learning. You know what is best for your child, your family and your sanity and we respect that. Whatever method of schooling you have opted for well done for your resolve to ensure that these children get an education which is a great legacy to give to our children. Just a few reminders on things that would be needed this new school year.
Face masks
I am sure you could have guessed this was going to be number one. We are a special breed of parents here and we deserve some accolades. We are making history. The last time parents had to send their kids back to school in a pandemic was perhaps over a century ago.
Hand sanitizers
Hand sanitizer is a crucial to addition to your back-to-school list this year. This is quite unusual but what is normal about this season anyway? There is a pandemic. You can get cute little ones to put in your little ones bag packs.
School Uniforms
Of course, school uniforms are crucial and they have to be prim and proper. If your kids have to wear regular clothing, you need to shop for those too and make sure they are quite fancy. There is just something nice about having new set of clothes and shoes for children. Apart from that, they grow so fast too. So the set of clothing they wore comfortably six months ago cannot fit any longer.
School Supplies
Many schools would probably be providing the school supply this season and if not, you have to get all those ready as well. The crayons, sharpeners, the pencils, bibles(if your children are attending a Christian school), the water bottles, the lunch boxes and a host of other things on your list.
A knowledge of safety
You need to equip your children with a knowledge of safety especially when they would not be under your watchful eyes as they go back to school. You have to remind them over and over that they need to always wash their hands and use their hand sanitizer. Not to touch their faces, to wash their hands before eating their lunch and snacks. I am sure the school teachers would help with this. I know this school year would be like no other, children would not really be able to hug each other like before due social distancing, but we just have to help them understand the value of safety.
Alright parents and guardians, I wish you and your wards an amazing school year. One full of fun memories to be cherished for life.
“Hard times are sometimes blessings in disguise. We do have to suffer but in the end it makes us strong, better and wise.”
– Anurag Prakash Ray