Chances are if someone spent even just a little bit of time on social media yesterday the hashtag Bell Let’s Talk scrolled across the screen at least once or twice.
Yesterday marked the 11th year of the popular initiative, which organizers say aims to break down barriers and get people talking about mental health. The day isn’t without its critics-and the fact that Bell, a telecommunications giant, has its name slapped all over the event does detract from it a bit. That said, by in large we say anything that gets people talking about mental health is a good thing. For far too long people suffered in silence due to a stigma attached to a very real disease.
This year’s event was timely as students across Ontario are now in the midst of their second week back to in class learning-and first full week if Mother Nature will allow. One of the driving factors behind getting kids back to the classroom was the benefit it has on our young one’s mental well being. Multiple times it’s been said the good side effects of being with their peers far outweighs the risk of the virus.
Trying to get work done in a home office that is also doubling as a school was challenging for both adults and kids. Writing from experience as the father of a five year old, it’s been particularly trying for a Kindergartener who is yet to experience a ‘normal’ year of school. Just as she was getting into the routine of being in school all day, suddenly everything was moved to online. To be able to see her friends on screen but not be able to have the usual schoolyard chat with them was a struggle. Trying to explain to a five year old she can’t turn her mic on in the middle of a lesson to talk to her friends can be a losing battle.
This can’t be stated enough, but credit to the many teachers and educational assistants who have found a way to make this work as smoothly as possible.
Then there are the parents and guardians who have to deal with the stress of sending their kids to school. Not everyone is comfortable with that notion and for them online school is the preferred choice-which is perfectly fine too. If this pandemic has taught us anything it’s that one size does not fit all and every situation is different. Some may even prefer to keep their kids home but ultimately aren’t in a position to do so.
At the end of the day, parents just want to do what’s best for their kids. The real challenge can be convincing one’s self they are doing the right thing. At the very least we can take comfort knowing thousands of parents across the province are feeling the same thing. We should also all take note that we don’t have to wait for Let’s Talk Day to start the conversation, either. It’s never a bad time to talk about these issues.
-Adam Prudhomme