Parenting can be challenging at the best of times. The COVID pandemic has added a whole other dimension to being good parents and role models to our children.

Mention the coronavirus in any situation and you never know what kind of reaction you’ll get. Attitudes, beliefs, and tempers have run rampant in media, in public, and in personal relationships. Should we wear masks, or not? It is a hoax, or not?

Amongst all the uncertainty and angst, we have been hearing more lately about the real heroes of this story, the heroes that may be going unnoticed: our children.

They hear us. They listen to the news, even from the other room. They may not know or understand exactly what’s happening as a result of the onset of COVID-19, but they sense it. They know something’s not right. And they’re scared.

We at Sana Lake want to acknowledge and honor these heroes. The young ones, the parents, relatives, caregivers, and all who have a hand in raising and caring for our little people. With school starting or just around the corner, how do you make the best decisions for you and your family, and help your kids weather the stress?

There’s no right answer. 

The decisions are hard ones, no matter how we look at it. We honor your courage.

To the teachers who would like nothing more than to offer reassurance to your students, you are unsung heroes, too. We can imagine how frustrating it must be to hear and see the heartbreaking stories of kids trying to learn in less than ideal conditions. Children trying to learn in abusive homes, surrounded by substance users acting out their addictions, or with screaming babies in the background. Children who want connection but don’t have internet access nor a computer, or have challenges keeping up in an online world.

The stories have touched us deeply. We extend our utmost respect and support to all the children in our communities, their families, relatives, friends, and professional support networks through this COVID pandemic.

You all are our heroes.