The Hidden Costs of Virtual School: A Mom's Perspective

The pandemic has undoubtedly transformed the way we approach our lifestyle choices be it work from home or attaining education, making virtual schooling a prominent option for many families. While the flexibility and safety of learning from home have been appealing, there are still some downsides of virtual school from a mom’s perspective.  Here’s a closer look at some of the hidden costs and challenges that come with schooling from home. 

1. Loss of Income

One of the most immediate and tangible impacts of virtual schooling on families is the financial strain. For many moms like myself, the shift to home-based learning means a sudden loss of income, particularly for those who previously worked outside the home. Balancing work with the demands of overseeing virtual schooling often leads to reduced work hours or even leaving jobs altogether. 

I’ve found a few practical solutions that might help narrow that gap:

1. Weekend or Evening Hours Work: Consider taking on work during weekends or times when your kids can handle independent learning. This way, you can keep an eye on them while still earning. It’s a flexible approach that allows you to balance your work and family responsibilities. As well as get a break from being home with kids! 

2. Explore Work-from-Home Opportunities: Another option is to join the bandwagon of remote work. There are plenty of online jobs with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, which can fit around your family’s schedule. This not only helps bridge the income gap but also lets you be more present at home.

2. Reduced Daily Social Interaction

A significant downside to virtual schooling is the reduction in daily social interactions. School isn’t just about academics; it's also a crucial social arena where kids develop interpersonal skills and friendships. Virtual school, while convenient, often isolates students from their peers. Online classroom chats can’t fully replicate the spontaneous conversations, group activities, and social learning that occur in a physical classroom. For moms, this means not only managing their child's academic progress but also addressing the emotional and social impacts of this isolation.

As a mom navigating the virtual school landscape, I’ve found a few strategies that can help bridge the social gap for your kids. Here are some tips that have worked well for us:

1. Enroll in Team Sports: One of the best ways to ensure your kids get the social interaction they need is by signing them up for team sports. Unlike solo sports, team activities require kids to work together, fostering friendships and teamwork. This not only helps with social development but also keeps them active and engaged.

2. Local Library Events: Don’t underestimate the value of your local library. Many libraries offer book reading clubs, art classes, and story time sessions that are perfect for socializing and engaging in group activities. It’s a great way for your kids to meet others with similar interests in a structured setting.

3. Join a Homeschooling Group: Connecting with other homeschooling families can be incredibly beneficial. Join a Facebook homeschooling group or local network to stay informed about social events, group outings, and playdates. It’s a fantastic way to keep your kids connected with peers and share resources and advice with other parents.

4. Local Park Visits: Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Plan regular visits to your local park after school hours. Parks are great places for kids to run around, play, and interact with other children in a relaxed environment. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for you to catch up with other parents and build a community network.

3. Increased Workload for Moms

The role of a mom with children in virtual school extends far beyond that of a typical parent. On top of managing household responsibilities, many moms find themselves taking on the role of a  part-time teacher or Learning Coach. And time commitment varies inversely to the age of your child. As in, younger your child, more time commitment you have to give to their schooling.  This includes preparing daily lessons, making schedules to ensure that children stay on task, and helping bridge any gaps in their learning from online lessons. This can be exhausting and overwhelming, adding to the mental load and significantly increasing daily stress. 

As a mom who’s been there, I can’t stress enough the importance of carving out some "Me Time," especially when you’re home with kids all day. It’s crucial for maintaining your sanity and well-being.

Here’s what’s worked for me, and I hope it helps you too:

1. Set Clear Boundaries:

Talk with your family about specific times when you need to be alone.  Let them know in advance that during these periods, you’ll be focusing on yourself, and someone else will need to step in to take care of the kids.

2. Delegate Bedtime Duties: 

In our household, bedtime is my husband’s time to spend with the kids. He handles everything from pajamas and brushing teeth to showering, story time, and any last-minute snack requests. This gives me some precious time to unwind without interruptions.

3. Weekend Meal and Chore Responsibility: 

On weekends, my husband takes over the kids’ meals so I can have a break. I use this time to enjoy a meal on my own, dive into a good book, or catch up on my favorite shows. Doing kids' laundry is also my husband’s responsibility and it helps split up the household chores for the week! And honestly, he is better at it than I am! 

4. Visual Strain and Posture Issues Due to Long Hours on the Computer

Extended screen time is another significant concern. Children, like adults, can suffer from visual strain due to prolonged exposure to screens. The "virtual classroom" often involves several hours a day of staring at a computer, which can lead to:  eye fatigue, headaches, and increase in Myopia and poor posture. 

If your kids are doing virtual school, there are some strategies you can use to help them manage their screen time and stay comfortable throughout the day.

Here’s what’s worked for us:

1. Encourage Regular Breaks: Virtual schools often build in breaks to prevent kids from staring at screens all day. It’s up to us as parents to make sure they actually take these breaks. Have some fun activities ready for these moments, like coloring books, checkers, hopscotch, or even playing with balloons or a soccer ball. These little diversions can help them refresh and reset before diving back into their lessons.

2. Optimize Their Setup: Make sure your kids have a comfortable chair and that their laptop is at eye level. This helps prevent neck strain from looking up or down too much. It’s also a good idea to teach them simple neck and back exercises to keep their posture in check.

3. Use a Timer: Set a timer to remind your kids when it’s time to take a break and look away from the screen. This not only helps them stay on track but also gives them a visual cue that it’s time for a break.

4. Choose physical copy over online: Opt for physical copies instead of digital ones when possible. Turning off the computer during workbook time helps minimize distractions and screen time. Print out any worksheets if the option is given so your child can do it off-screen. If there’s a physical book available for reading, choose that over an online version. Turn off the computer when your child is doing their workbooks to reduce distraction and screen time. 

5. Don’t Forget Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are crucial, especially with increased screen time. Make sure your kids get their yearly check-ups to keep their vision healthy. If you are noticing an increase in Myopia, ask your doctor about Myopia Control (ways to reduce progression of your child’s prescription becoming more and more minus). 

5. Lack of Access to Traditional School Events

Traditional school events such as holiday parties, competitions, and science fairs are integral parts of the school experience. These events foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for children to showcase their talents. Virtual schooling often lacks these enriching experiences. 

A way to bridge this gap is to start with your virtual school to see if they offer any in-person events, field trips, or competitions. Check with your local community  to see if there are any kid competitions in the area your child can participate in. Don’t forget to contact local libraries, museums, and parks for upcoming events for kids. Many places have extracurricular clubs like robotics clubs or STEM clubs that your child can join to enrich their school experience. 

While virtual schooling offers many benefits for kids,  it also brings a host of challenges that extend beyond the academic realm. Balancing these challenges requires resilience, creativity, and a strong support system. But don’t give up! It is hard but doable! 

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Check out my blog on the The Joys of Schooling from home!