Online education is an increasingly popular choice for high school students. It’s flexible, self-paced, supportive, and—best of all—conveniently located at home or on the go. There’s no worrying about peer pressure, pressure to keep up with other students, or pressure to finish at an exact date. Plus, the best online schools, like Ontario eSecondary School, have built-in 24/7 tutoring services to ensure students are supported around the clock.
However, several moms ask themselves, “How can I support my teen as they transition into online studies?” It isn’t like dropping them off at a brick-and-mortar school, assuming that the system will provide for them. Being a mom to an online student requires you to be a little more proactive, which can be a very positive thing for your teen’s education.
Below, let’s explore creative and practical ways to support your kid as they further their education.
Creating a Structured, Supportive Learning Environment
To start, set the stage for success. If your teen plans to study at home, mark off a quiet, distraction-free space where they can focus.
Working alongside your kid, craft a dedicated study space with everything they need: a laptop, writing instruments, tools, water and snacks, and maybe an ergonomic chair to keep them comfortable.
Then, encourage them to create a routine. It doesn’t need to be as strict as their brick-and-mortar school routine (i.e., no “bells”). However, encouraging them to do little things like get dressed in the morning, schedule their day according to upcoming assignments, take regular short breaks to recuperate, etc., can help add much-needed structure.
Staying Involved Without Hovering
It’s tough to strike the right balance between being involved and being too involved. Remember, one of the sharpest benefits of online school is that it teaches teens independence and time management; they won’t learn those indispensable skills if you’re constantly inserting yourself.
Give them space, but remain available for guidance when they need you. Periodically check on their progress in a positive, encouraging way to ensure they are meeting their deadlines and staying engaged.
You can also foster a sense of responsibility by letting your teen make mistakes and learn from them. While it’s tempting to swoop in and help when they’re falling behind or struggling with an assignment, stepping back and allowing them to navigate challenges can be invaluable. It teaches them problem-solving skills and resilience, which are just as crucial as academic knowledge. Of course, offer guidance and support when needed, but remember that a little space can go a long way in helping them grow more confident and self-sufficient.
Helping Teens Stay Social in an Online Environment
One of the things you’ll need to navigate during online high school is the relative lack of traditional social interactions. Teens are at a stage where friendships and peer connections are essential for their personal growth and mental well-being. As a mom, it’s crucial to help your teen strike a balance between the academic independence that online school provides and the social opportunities they need to thrive.
Start by encouraging your teen to stay connected with their existing friends through regular video calls, online gaming sessions, study groups, or even meet-ups when possible. You could also help them explore extracurricular activities or virtual clubs offered by their online school, where they can connect with peers who share similar interests.
If your teen enjoys a particular hobby, like playing an instrument or sports, see if there are local community groups or virtual meetups they can join. It’s all about finding opportunities where your child can continue to develop social skills while still focusing on their online studies.
Teaching Time Management and Accountability
As mentioned, time management and accountability are cornerstones of an online education. They are soft skills that, unfortunately, your teen may not learn overnight. Especially coming from a traditional school, where everything is laid out for them, and there’s always a teacher breathing down their neck, it can take time to exercise those time management muscles.
Collaborate with your teen on a schedule, inputting assignments, tests, and deadlines according to their preferred timeframe for completion (remember, online students choose how fast or slow they want to go). Then, encourage them to revisit their schedule often, developing a system to track progress.
You can even be the “tech-savvy mom to the rescue,” suggesting apps like Trello, Todoist, and Google Calendar to aid in the process.
Encouraging Physical Activity and Wellness
With the shift to online education, your teen might find themselves sitting for long periods, glued to a screen for much of the day. It’s easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, which can affect both physical and mental health.
As a mom, you can play a pivotal role in ensuring your teen stays active and maintains a healthy lifestyle, even if they’re doing all their schoolwork from home.
Encourage regular exercise breaks throughout the day. Whether it’s going for a short walk, doing a quick workout, or even just stretching between assignments, getting the blood flowing can help improve focus and reduce stress. You could also make physical activity a family affair by scheduling regular walks, bike rides, or even yoga sessions together. It’s a great way to bond while encouraging a healthy habit.
Nutrition also plays a significant role in your teen’s ability to concentrate and stay energized. Ensure that your child is eating balanced meals and staying hydrated. It might help to keep healthy snacks available in their study area, so they’re not tempted to grab sugary, processed foods that can lead to energy crashes.
Emotional Support and Encouragement
Finally, your most significant role as mom is the role you’ve always played: lending emotional support and encouragement. You’d be surprised how effective the occasional “You can do this” can be. Meanwhile, remaining available and empathetic as your teen shares their successes and setbacks can mean the world to them.
Follow these straightforward steps to ensure that your teen effortlessly transitions to online high school. The next stop: academic success!
