Now sits a stoic and sad kid

My eldest who is 6 has yet to experience a normal year of school. Between strikes and then lockdowns, this is absurd. Adding to this already dysfunctional introduction to our education system, we throw on a mask. Block any sort of emotion to be seen on his face or his friends’ or teachers. What once was a face with big smiles now sits a stoic and sad kid who dislikes going to his grade 1 class. Outsiders and grandparents comment on his disposition. My second child who is 4 was thankfully omitted from the mask for the first few months of school and never once refused going to school. In fact he was the first dressed and in the car ready to go. Since his return this month and mandatory masks, he is angry and anxious and refuses to go to school. Vocally expresses hate for the mask and how difficult it is to breathe and talk. I now have to accommodate for him to be home for “days off” ultimately from the masking. Great addition to the already scary and anxious environment school can be for these little ones entering the education system. I am beyond disappointed in the school curriculum and the absurd mask rules they have withheld through this entire pandemic.”