How do you explain that the older kid gets cooler field trips (well you know back in the day) or that the older kids get a phone first? Just explain it geez. This is not a situation that needs to be explained. You just say they're older and in a different grade and there are differences to the schedule and move on. Not everything needs to be explained like it's the end of the world.

My 2nd grader is over the moon to be back in person for her second day. The happiest kid on earth.

If APS had cancelled for all, you would have bitched even more. APS has done many things wrong, but it would have been the wrong call to cancel school for everyone for the grades 3-12 teachers to learn about concurrent teaching...stop your whining.

My kindergartner has had school all year (private) with her brothers 3 & 6th grade doing fcps virtual. It has been a non issue for us.

It's life. You teach them to be flexible and understanding of change. It will happen again- guess what middle school ends a day before elementary school, oh no!