SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement Friday on the fall school year left many parents unsure what to expect.
Schools have a list of guidelines they must comply with to open in person classes. The most difficult guideline, potentially, is to stay off the state's watch list for 14 consecutive days.
This leaves parents in limbo.
Tancy Campbell has been juggling a 9-year-old, 5-year-old with special needs, and an Esty shop while her husband is deployed with the Navy.
"I'm overwhelmed right now," she said.
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When it comes to the school year she has mixed feelings. She is less nervous about her 9-year-old who understands social distancing and mask etiquette, but her 5-year-old son hasn't reached that level yet.
"I'm worried about him going but I'm worried about him staying as well so it's like a double-edged sword," Campbell said.
She said he has autism and is regressing without social interaction, but if he were to go to school right now she's worried he could catch coronavirus. These stresses piling up over the past four months.
Licensed Psychologist Dr. Michelle Carcel said she's heard from a lot of exhausted parents and has this advice, "all of us need to take a step back and realize this is an imperfect situation and mistakes will be made and that's okay."
She said it's important to create a routine to set barriers with the kids.
"Also putting signs in different places where there's play area time and where there's school time. So that way you're making a division with work and play," Carcel added.
Post a schedule somewhere that everyone can read, so the kids know when parents are busy and when they can have their attention.
She suggests dividing and conquering if possible. Enlist help from your partner, or family members to divvy up the childcare responsibilities.
She also said if you aren't happy about the decisions being made, let your representatives know.
"You're not helpless, you're not alone, make sure you advocate for you and your family," Carcel said.
Most importantly, don't forget to take care of yourself.
"I would just like to tell all the mommas and the daddies to stay strong if they're at home with their kids, it's a lot," Campbell said.
A lot to handle, but a labor of love.