As a father, I won't deny that the return to school of the *chinijos* (kids) generates some uncertainty for me. I think these fears are shared by most parents, although it is also true that we accept with resignation and respect the idea that life returns to schools.
Obviously life does not stop (lately we repeat this phrase aloud, converted into a slogan to release tensions and offer us an explanation that calms the unease that arises) and we must begin to point out the bases of an artificial daily life. The daily, the routines connect us to areas of security that comfort. And children and schools energize the life of the community, point out the importance of continuing along the path of announced coherence (applying the principle of constant activity in the process of living) and, therefore, bring us closer to a difficult digestion of the situation.
The children will adapt, as they already did before the great storm. Being the most fragile in appearance, the *chinijos* showed their courage and wisdom. It was difficult for them to understand what was the threat that prevented them from playing in the sun, giving up hugs outside their closest environment, internalizing new routines and learning to live twenty-four hours with parents full of concerns that we often did not know how to disguise with skill. Now it is time to first convince ourselves that we are doing the right thing to explain to them that although the threat persists, the time has come to recover social contact, to get rid of the fear that has the world on hold.
We will have to explain to them with conviction that the reason they have to go to school when the parks are closed, many parents cannot return to their jobs, doctor's appointments are still by telephone, family reunions are limited, etc. We cannot expect them to face this complicated transition without insisting on the need to maintain social interactions (yes, with all precautions), to feel part of the community. We cannot demand normality in the extraordinary.
Thank you to our brave *chinijos*!
Agustín Enrique García Acosta, Social Worker)
