By Mumtaz Moosa Saley

The first day of school for Grade R and Grade One kids means that either the parents or child would be at the classroom sharing tears of joy mixed with fear. Last year left many kids at home for most of the year and this made the school year even more challenging, but the party must go on as one would say.

This year the schools got the hang of what to do and what not to do, unfortunately, parents did not. Many of us were waiting and hoping for orientation day to put our hearts at ease, but due to COVID-19 protocols, this was done away with. As I left my daughter at the gate, the reality hit – no hugs, no kisses and no time to cry. The president did, after all, cancel after tears party.

I came home to a million texts from the school regarding rotation days and online learning. The older kids may have loved the concept and I loved not having to drive all day, but what happens when you have a six-year-old child who is forced to be online?

Well, the generation of YouTube kids has down this better than we think, these last few days have shown me that kids adapt when needed, yes, they may have issues along the way that you will need to monitor.

As a parent, I have learned that my fear for them is far greater, and it is what distinguishes the role between parent and children. We will always be cautious for them, but we also need them to know that we are there for them when they need us and to guide them. As parents, we have to remind ourselves that we can’t always bubble wrap our children.

I came home and sobbed, I didn’t get to hug my youngest child.
I came home and stressed counting down the hours worrying if her mask is okay.
I almost camped outside the school.

As the bell rang and the kids came running out the gate, I realised that we stress far more than we should. I moaned that I didn’t get the whole big school experience and here came my six-year-old child telling me she had the best day ever, but she had homework.

Dear parents, if this pandemic has taught me anything it would be that we need to live in the moment, place our trust in the Creator and learn to just make memories.

PS: I am still upset that I did not get the whole after tears experience!