We’ll Stop Home Schooling Our Kids When a Vaccine Is Ready

Earlier this summer, my husband and I wrestled with the decision about whether to continue home schooling our kids for another year or send them back to regular school. It was a hard decision, but ultimately, we decided to home-school them again because the number of COVID-19 cases in our area was increasing again.

I know we made the right choice, but I’ll admit, I’m losing it over here! We’ve been stuck together since the pandemic started a year and a half ago. Frankly, we’re getting a bit sick of one another. I know that sounds awful, but it’s true. I don’t even remember the last time we went an entire day without someone having a meltdown. And most days, more than one person has one.

Don’t get me wrong, I know we made the right choice over the summer. Protecting our kids’ health is more important than maintaining my sanity. Austen, our 6-year-old daughter who has Dravet syndrome, would probably end up in the pediatric intensive care unit if she got COVID-19. And Atlas, her 7-year-old brother, has been hospitalized with respiratory infections in the past. So, both are at high risk for complications from COVID-19.

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Now, our thinking has shifted a bit due to the COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve decided to send our kids back to public school as soon as our youngest kids can get the vaccine. My husband, our 13-year-old daughter, Addisen, and I are all fully vaccinated. So, now we are patiently waiting for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

In the meantime, we are trying to hang on. We’re chugging along with home schooling and spending a lot of time in our backyard, weather permitting. If we can’t go outdoors, we make sure to have quiet time each afternoon so that Mama can sit and have a cup of coffee.

Yes, a lot of mom guilt is involved in our decision. My babies are my life, and I want what’s best for them. But I believe that public school, a break from time at home, and interactions with friends are best for them right now. Well, almost right now — as soon as they can get their “Fauci Ouchie,” that is.

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Note: Dravet Syndrome News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Dravet Syndrome News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Dravet syndrome.

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