‘If we send our kids to school, we’re ‘selfish.’ If we keep them home, we’re ‘living in fear.’ We’re offered strong opinions from others not even in our position.’: Mom urges ‘there is no right decision’

“Parents are feeling some type of way right now.

If we send our kids to school, we are ‘selfish.’

If we keep them home, we’re ‘living in fear.’

We know our choice will not please everyone—but we’re trying not to care and instead just focus on what’s best for our kid…BUT we’re not even sure what that is because we’re just sooo conflicted.

We’ve been trying to enjoy this extra time with our kids, but our newest thief of joy is uncertainty.

We’re offered strong opinions from others not even in our position.

And if we’re honest, we’re over it.

Some of us have already decided. For some, it was decided for us, and some, like me, are sitting right smack dab in the middle of indecision.

The reality is, some families will be giving up income and financial stability.

Some will go to work, whether by choice or mere necessity and will still be judged harshly.

Some parents will try to balance full-time work from home and distance learning, which seems almost impossible to me.

Many have, and will, shed tears and mourn plans when no one is looking, and then pull it together just as quickly.

There’s a decision to be made, but there’s no ‘right’ one.

My kids won’t hear the complaint when I push my career aside.

The work-outside-the-home mom’s kids likely won’t see the weight she’s carrying.

The work-from-home dad won’t let anyone know the pressure he’s under.

We KNOW we would do ANYTHING for our kids, no matter the sacrifice, but we did not sign up for THIS.

No one did.

So, if you hear a parent voice their choice that’s different than yours, please do not make them feel worse.

Give them some grace because I can promise you, we are already feeling some type of way.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Whitney of Trains and Tantrums. You can follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram. Submit your own story here and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more from Whitney:

‘You know what I love? Friends who don’t make this friend thing complicated.’: Woman ‘thankful’ for friends who ‘don’t set unrealistic expectations’ of her

‘I’m tired or vibrant. I’m drinking water or in the drive-thru with a Coke. I wake with the sun and get everything done or I’m coasting till bedtime.’: Woman admits ‘I often wake up wondering which side of the line I’ll fall on today’

‘You didn’t hear the words ‘it’s a boy.’ You didn’t claim your title like most. But you’re tied to that child by something much stronger than blood.’: Mom says ‘you’re more than a step or bonus dad’

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