SEASON 3 PREMIERE: Carrie Littlefield-Syvertsen on our children re-entering school.

I’ve been on a break for a few months so I want to say a huge thank you for your patience.  The topics I’m going to cover this season are quite big - they’ve taken time to research, time to process, and all the while trying to re-enter society during a pandemic.  So many of us have so much on our plates and I’m trying to keep going...just keep my head in the game. 

The first topic of season 3 is going to cover the biggest thing for parent’s right now - school reopening.  In Seattle, our public schools just opened their doors on April 19th - most are in only a couple of hours a day but the consensus with parents at this point seems to be, “Well, it’s better than nothing.”

I’ve been reflecting and wondering a lot about what our kids will be talking about a year from now in terms of what they remember and what has deeply affected them - I feel like there is just absolutely no way that our kids can endure months of solitude, no activities, stressed out parents, and total life disruption unscathed.  But I’m not an expert.  Luckily, I know someone who is.

Carrie Littlefield Syvertsen is the 2020 National School Social worker of the year.  She was recognized last March and her chance to be on a national stage with the leaders of the US Government recognizing her and her contributions was cancelled.  So instead of going to DC for her awards ceremony, she was quarantined with two small children and  having to homeschool.  Her professional expertise gave me so much insight on what kids are dealing with - especially middle schoolers - and what as parents we can look for as warning signs as our kids re enter school and life.  There is nothing more right in front of parents than this transition for our kids, and this episode was meant to help you all be able to better support your children.  

Good luck to everyone as this hellscape of a school year ends.  I’m feeling so much relief that we’re going to put this year behind us and move on.  I can only guess what September will look like, but now at least I know what to look for if my kids begin struggling.  Carrie, thanks so much for your time and service, and for keeping your work child centric.  

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