The Children Talk to Us: ‘I Don’t Want to Go Back to School’ by Effie Panagopoulou
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
As August bid us farewell, it took with it the taste of salty sea air, the feeling of the scorching sun by the waves, the endless hours of carefree play, and the makeshift games in the water. Along with the remnants of summer, it also took away some of the children’s smiles, leaving them to wonder why they must return to the routine of school—a schedule meticulously planned by their parents.
This routine begins in September with “creative” activities, tutoring sessions, sports, music lessons, foreign languages, dance, and various other commitments even before school officially starts. What do the children have to say about this? The Children Talk to Us, expressing themselves in many ways.
Parents try to “sweeten the pill” with phrases like, “You’ll have a great time with your new teacher!” or “Your friends can’t wait to see you!” or they take a stricter approach, saying things like, “Vacation is over, now it’s time to work,” or “Forget the past; this year, you’re going to buckle down.” Meanwhile, they themselves are glued to their phones, complaining about returning to the routine that drains their energy and kills their good mood.
As September begins, the first hesitant “I don’t want to go back to school” or “I’m not signing up for ballet this year” or “Why start private lessons so early?” start to emerge from the children. These sentiments change depending on their age, but the underlying issue is the same. Children are reluctant to return to the strict schedule, to the routine we impose on them so they can survive the storm that’s coming—the competitive environment they are being prepared for in the years ahead.
The Children Talk to Us, expressing their concerns and desires through words, silence, headaches, and stomachaches—symptoms that parents often try to address in ways that don’t get to the root of the problem. Maria, who refuses to get out of bed to go shopping for dance clothes, Theodore, who feels too self-conscious to go to basketball lessons because of his weight, Christos, who is bored with grammar assignments, and Aris, who shows no interest in solving math problems meant to prepare him to outshine his classmates.
I sympathise with these struggling parents, those who are concerned and trying their best. I understand them, having discussed these issues countless times. I know they want the best for their children, based on their own experiences, and they strive to equip them with what they may have lacked, or with what they believe will bring their children social acceptance, prosperity, and recognition.
The Children Talk to Us. Let’s listen. Let’s try to support them. Let’s give them the opportunities and tools they need, not what we think they need. Let’s take care of ourselves, too, so we can provide the right example, which is often more effective than words of advice. Let’s allow them to be whole and happy. Let’s not stifle their spontaneity and desires. Children should be allowed to forge their own path, independent of cousins, friends, and the children of acquaintances, without excessive intervention and pressure, which ultimately doesn’t yield results. Let’s allow them to be authentic and happy, always by their side, always discreetly. Parents, I’m talking to you… Your children are talking to you…
About the Author
Effie Panagopoulou created the thematic series “The Children Talk to Us” under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, focusing on inclusion and the sensitive psyche of children. This series includes works translated into English such as ” Christos’ Sweet Sugar-Free Story” “Who’s Upsetting Christina?” and “Theodore and the Adventure of Healthy Eating,” which addresses eating disorders and school bullying. Through these works, Effie Panagopoulou raises awareness of important issues affecting children, drawing on her many years of experience in education.
Effie Panagopoulou is an author of short stories, plays, books, and song lyrics. Her works have been awarded and presented at significant cultural events. The thematic cycle “Mythical Melodies of the Rivers” includes : “Alpheus’ Journey,” performed by the ERT Contemporary Music Orchestra with music by award-winning composer George Voukanos, and her book of the same title has been distributed to schools in Greece and Italy. Her work “In the Waters of Ilissos” was presented in 2023 by the Camerata Junior, and she wrote the libretto for “Thesmophoria Dance, an Ode to Earth,” which was performed at Athens College and awarded at the 2024 Tourism Awards. Additionally, she has written librettos for significant works such as “Zalongo, Women’s Dance, Silent Symphony,” which focuses on violence against women, and the works “This is How It All Began” and “This is How It Continued,” presented at the Memorial Celebrations for the Fall of Tripolitsa. She has also participated in cultural initiatives centered on inclusion and the protection of vulnerable social groups. She is the Development Manager at Campion School and has been recognized for her contributions to culture.
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