Shanice C. - Parent

“This year has been full of ups and downs and scary moments and parenting a small child during this pandemic has been exceedingly difficult. I am the mother of a 5-year old daughter and pregnant with my second child. I understand that teaching, keeping her active, engaged and on track is my primary responsibility. However, with the abrupt change in her schedule, no preschool, or social interaction, and the fear of the “virus” she, and I, are traumatized.

“Although I personally am very fortunate and blessed to have a village of educators who were able to assist and engage my daughter, [during the first month of the COVID shutdown] we too were separated and unable to connect as we often had being a tight family. My fiancé, her father and I work different shifts to be able to care for her properly, and I work nights without the time to rest during the day. With preschool cancelled, the attention needed for her safety and educational engagement was overwhelming.

“Although the hard decision was made to send her back to preschool and she is thriving, she is confused about why she cannot play in her favorite areas (dramatic play, kitchen area) and most of all hug her friends. All of which are especially important to her overall learning. If I’m completely honest, the privilege of having my sister be a part of her educational journey and keeping her safe is primarily why we agreed to send her back. However what do we do in September when she goes off to kindergarten without her TiTi to keep her safe, and the dedicated staff who cared enough to stay connected?

“Although our Sophia is back at school she remains traumatized. She asks questions of when the “Virus” will end, so she can play with her friends, no longer wear a mask and hug people she loves. Yesterday, she said ‘if I cannot play with my friends, why am I back in school?’ How do we encourage and teach social-emotional behavior from a distance? Being a social butterfly during this time is difficult and heartbreaking.

“My heart hurts for the little ones going through this because they do not understand it. This is probably the biggest struggle in this pandemic: making sure the little ones are okay and preparing them for the NEW normal.”