For students and parents in the Kingdom, the day became a roller coaster of emotions right from the beginning JEDDAH: With chaos, distant hugs, tears and delays, mothers and students across Saudi Arabia have found the first day back at school a topsy-turvy drama reminiscent of a Disney movie. When school is back in session, the chaos of the first day is a given, as students, teachers and parents alike adjust to the beginning of a new school year. But when you add the COVID-19 pandemic into the mix, you face a new experience that is a tad more chaotic than the average start to the school year. For students and parents in the Kingdom, the day became a roller coaster of emotions right from the beginning. Most people in the Kingdom know by now that the first day failed to go ahead as smoothly as everyone had hoped, especially for some homebound students. ad Refal Amin, a Saudi mother of two teenage sons and a 10-year-old daughter, told Arab News that it was difficult seeing her two boys head off to school while leaving their sister behind at home. Amin’s daughter must stay home to attend online learning, following instructions issued by the Saudi Education Ministry. “My sons were initially hesitant to go, even though they’re both fully vaccinated. It was still unsettling for them to leave home, and it was a struggle getting them up and out of the house, which was nothing new,” she said. But despite their outward display of hesitancy, the two boys were glad to see their friends at school again. “We just had to pretend that we weren’t happy for our little sister and we decided to play the part of sad students,” said the eldest, Abdullah. “I know mom secretly sensed our glee to go back.” Amin said: “It has been a tough year and a half, and it’ll be even longer and tougher for my youngest, who is simply unamused today. “We’re super careful; this isn’t a joke. The boys know there will be no hugging, no touching and no sharing anything. Though I have to also keep my eye on my daughter and prepare for my day’s work, it’s a relief that I can work from home. “My daughter doesn’t share my sentiment as a frown was plastered on her face throughout the day. First impressions last, but apparently all the girls in her class were frowning and upset as well. They’ll get over it soon enough.” As I write this, my eight-year-old daughter started her first day of the third grade in tears. After an 18-month hiatus, she was looking forward to the possibility of seeing her new school, but of course, COVID-19, which has been dubbed “the dream crusher,” postponed her return to in-person learning — and what a day it was. Like parents everywhere, I prepared my daughter for what to expect, and found that the “no sharing” rule was a deal breaker, or at least I thought it was until she heard that the school canteen would not be open and that she would not be able to stealthily buy a piece of chocolate. She understands the severity of the COVID-19 situation, but it broke her heart to learn that she would not be attending school just yet following a last-minute decision by the school board. I was crushed, too. Like millions of parents out there, I want a pause, and it presents one of the thorniest problems.