6 Friday, August 21, 2020 brooklintowncrier.com Our Brooklin Kids By Leanne Brown Back to school, or not Last week, I had to answer the Durham District School Board questionnaire asking if my child would return to school in person or doing it online. It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make; it felt like whateveI decided would have repercussions. On one hand, back to school in person feels like things would be returning to normal. But what of the health risks? Online learning seemed no better, with her spending so much time in front of a screen. There didn't seem to be a right answer. Yet, around the community, I see activities like soccer, lacrosse and baseball resuming. Some hockey is back on the ice and camps are operating with smaller numbers. Which is to say that all around us, kids are interacting in groups, though with safety protocols in place. Naturally I wondered that if children are already in these situations, surely it's safe for them to do so at school. Challenges coming That was until I attended a social gathering with my daughter for one of her sports teams when it became clear what a challenge our teachers will face. At the event, the girls were super excited to see everyone. Some had already "bubbled together" outside the team and thought nothing of sitting in small groups. Others had been more isolated over the last few months. It was hard to explain to the bubble kids to maintain distance rather than doing the normal things that they'd do inside their bubble. They did it anyway. Those outside the bubbles seemed confused about whether to engage with the group or stand apart. It's so natural for kids to be together. The social ones do it without thinking. It's almost impossible to stop it and when you do, they become miserable and stressed, then get creative and find ways to do it anyway. So as a parent deciding whether to let a child attend school, sports, camps and such, you need to accept that social distancing with kids is tough. Yes, smaller groups are preferred but the reality is that even if kids are distanced in the classroom, they will be gathering the moment they can. It's going to happen. I'm letting my child participate in sports. For her mental health, she needs to be physical and with other kids. Although I'm making sure COVID plans are followed, I look at it as preparation for returning to school. I realise we have to be cautious and if things need to shut down again, I have no issue. But we also need to live our lives, albeit differently, rather than hiding. Yes, I'm anxious I'm also sending her back to school in person. I won't deny I'm somewhat anxious, having contemplated every worst case scenario. Some nights, I have nightmares; other times I feel confident this is the best thing to do. Meanwhile, my daughter is thrilled to be returning. She's already dragged me to shopping for a new backpack and shoes. She's already chosen her first day back outfit! We've been out to buy masks, enough for two fresh ones each day. We've attached hand sanitizer in fun scents to the backpack and another goes in her pencil case. We also decided to use a lanyard to hold her mask when not in use. As the first day approaches, it's going to be a tough time for parents, teachers and kids. We're all feeling the same, whether your child is going into the classroom or schooling online. Like every first day of school, there are going to be tears, excitement and confusion. Let's be kind to one another. We're all doing what we feel is best for our families.