Closing Schools are not the Worst Consequence

In the past few weeks, I have heard a number of people state the worse part of the current virus turmoil is the effect on school children. They are being denied socialization with friends, graduation ceremonies, proms, sporting events, dating, riding skateboards and scooters. They are bored and missing vital class instruction. Maybe these forlorned children are forced to read books and interact with parents and siblings, playing all day video games and binge watching television with copious snacks available. What life changing dread!

What? The worse? Goodness. Life is tough. It is full of unexpected events, disappointments, rejections, hurdles, and obstacles. Better get used to it and face it, no matter what your age.

Let’s think about a few worse things than staying at home as an adolescent.

Dying

Having a loved one die

Being carted away in an ambulance

Going on a ventilator

Losing your job

Having your business ruined

Firing co-workers

Financial ruin resulting in losing your home or being evicted

Being a health worker or public safety personnel in harms’ way.

Of course, it is unfortunate the schools are closed and events cancelled. Some rights of passage and memories will never happen. I am not trying to minimize the inconvenience or strain this puts on families but just to put it in perspective. Many closed schools have tried various ways to carrying on and good for them. However, things are not the same, everyone and I mean everyone if effected.

Stay healthy and look forward when things return to normal, whatever that will be.