Tips for Parents: Navigating Online School with a Teenager

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around personal experiences and insights regarding the challenges and strategies of navigating online schooling for teenagers. Participants share their thoughts on establishing routines, managing distractions, and the importance of social interactions for teens engaged in online education.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their plan for their stepdaughter, emphasizing a structured schedule and limited phone usage during school hours.
  • Another participant mentions their experience completing a degree online, suggesting the importance of scheduled breaks and monitoring for signs of struggle.
  • One participant discusses their nieces' positive experiences with online classes, noting the necessity of discipline to avoid falling behind.
  • Several users highlight the need for designated study spaces that are comfortable yet not overly relaxing to prevent distractions.
  • One participant suggests exploring local youth groups or activities to provide social opportunities for the teenager.
  • Another participant mentions the availability of homeschool programs at local museums, which could offer educational experiences outside of the home environment.
  • Some participants discuss the potential for involvement in local high school events and extracurricular activities for homeschooled students.
  • One participant advises checking into homeschool co-ops for additional support and resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While many participants agree on the importance of structure and social interaction, views differ on the specifics of how to implement these strategies effectively. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal experiences related to online schooling, with some having direct involvement in their own or others' educational journeys. The discussion reflects a range of ages and educational backgrounds.

Who May Find This Useful

Parents of teenagers considering or currently engaged in online schooling may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant to their situations.

KellyTheChef
KellyTheChef
Gold Member
Messages
7,533
Hey all. My DSD is going to be starting online school next week. She is almost 17 and is currently a junior. Any advice?

DH and I are making her do "school" from 8-2 each day so she doesn't think she can stay up all night...and then sleep in half of the day. Her bedtime will be 11:00 at the latest, with no phone after 10PM. She is not allowed to make or take phone calls during 8-2.

Also...we will be helping her work on getting her drivers license over the next few months (has VERY LITTLE drive time from when she was living with her mom) and she WILL be getting a job for probably 25 hours per week.

Any thoughts?
Suggestions?
What are your experiences with OLDER kids and online school?
 
kelly - i am 22 but i have completed my final 2 years of my bachelors degree online (i will be a college grad in december!!). i know there is a big difference from 17-22 but here is my advice:

-set scheduled time & enforce it.
-also set breaks. even in high school they get passing periods & lunch times.
-look for signs that shes struggling. its really hard learning from a computer as opposed to having a teacher or professor. if shes struggling - consult a tutor. you can probably even find a college student at the local community college who would be more than willing to help.

it sounds to me like you have a very good plan in place. ive got senioritis right now. plus i work full time. so my boyfriend has to literally place my books in front of me when i get home from work. otherwise ill make excuses as to why i have to "do it tomorrow."

good luck.
 
Kelly, I agree with Meghan. I am going to school online to get my bachelors. Set times, set goals, and enforce it.
 
Kelly, my nieces have been home-schooled throughout their education, and as teenagers, most of their classes have been online. They actually watch a teacher online for some of their classes. The oldest just graduated this Spring, and went to a graduation ceremony in Florida (they made it a family vacation) with all the other home-school graduates in her virtual classroom. From what I know, it has been a positive experience for them. I do know that there could be no goofing around or skipping sessions though, or they would get behind very quickly.
 
You have a very good plan in place, but yes, watch the time in front of a computer. Have SCHEDULED breaks so she can rest but still does school and doesn't get distracted.Do you have a plan for other activities of a social, musical or athletic nature? Maybe there is a class at a local Y that can be a part of gym or take a field trip with her and the younger kids to learn. Something to break it up once in awhile and something where she can meet kids her age. I'd suggest a church youth group but I know it make take a bit for you to get her to go to something like that. Maybe your church youth group has some social events she can attend though. She needs to get some positive influences around her age so she can see that not just adults are responsible, kids her age are too.
 
Have a designated "school" place for her to work...comfortable (seat, desk) yet not too comfortable... she falls asleep :yuck:!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Janet...she will be getting a job very close to our house, with our hopes that she will meet other kids her age that go to our High School (so she will attend next year)

I am looking into some churches...we have one that actually meets at the high school (it's an offshoot of a larger church about an hour away and they just haven't found a spot to build in our area yet) and I know someone who works for that church. She spoke with the youth director and he said they have about 25 very regular attenders in the high school program, with 15 of them being girls. Plus...he said there are very few (as in 2-3) who have grown up "in the church" and who "have it all together" but that most of them are closer in personality and life problems to Britt. I am going to talk to DH about visiting that church on Sunday.

We also have a Y but I am not sure about swinging that one into our budget...heck, I don't know how we are gonna add a 16 year old to our insurance, even if she has a job and is paying for most of it!!

I am really hoping that this church and their youth group is a good fit...plus it's only about 8 minutes away as opposed to almost 30 minutes away like our present church. (Which, is so small NO ONE is her age there...)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Kitchen2u said:
Have a designated "school" place for her to work...comfortable (seat, desk) yet not too comfortable... she falls asleep :yuck:!
Click to expand...

She will be getting a school computer (provided by the online school) so we are going to set up her "school" in her room so everything is in one place. She has plenty of space to put a desk and such in there and still not be overcrowded in there! Plus...if she is upstairs on our main floor, I can see what's going on better. Our basement is partially finished, so my DH's computer and another computer and TV are down there. That's more of the "play" area, so I don't want her down there.
 
Doesn't the y have a homeschool program? I would ask about that....
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
thecougchef said:
Doesn't the y have a homeschool program? I would ask about that....
Click to expand...

Meaning a discount for those who are homeschooled? Never thought to ask!
 
I work at a Science Museum and we have a homeschool program for students. It's once a month that they come in and have a science class. It's different each month and we also have a dissection series. That way it gives homeschoolers a chance to get in a lab and work. All of our educators have degrees. I don't know if you have any local museums or someplace like that that you could take her to.
 
Often, even though homeschooled, she can attend local HS events...Does she have an interest in extra-curricular activities outside of driving and her boyfriend?
 
Some school districts alllow home schoolers in their programs ... some don't.Check into home-school co-ops ... they might be able to provide support if they don't dismiss you ... some are really testy about the difference between online school and "true" homeschooling.And if it's the on-line school I'm thinking of ... a friend of mine teaches science for them! (I think she works mostly with kids with special needs now, though ...)
 
I didn't read through all the responses. But, I finished my BS degree online two years ago. My suggestion is to set times for study...don't procrastinate, just get it finished. Don't rush through it. Be sure to read what you are suppose to or you won't "get" it. For any class you are struggling with, get a tutor before you get too overwhelmed.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective strategies for creating a conducive online learning environment at home?

To create a conducive online learning environment, designate a quiet, well-lit space for your teenager to attend classes and complete assignments. Ensure this area is free from distractions, such as television or loud noises. Equip the space with necessary supplies like a computer, notebooks, and pens. Establish a routine that mimics a traditional school day, including scheduled breaks to help maintain focus and productivity.

How can parents support their teenager's motivation during online school?

Supporting your teenager's motivation can be achieved by setting clear expectations and goals together. Encourage them to take ownership of their learning by allowing them to choose certain projects or topics of interest. Regularly check in on their progress and celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Additionally, maintaining open communication about their challenges can help you provide the necessary support and encouragement.

What role should parents play in their teenager's online education?

Parents should act as facilitators and supporters in their teenager's online education. This includes helping to set up a structured schedule, monitoring their progress, and providing assistance with difficult subjects when needed. However, it’s also important to allow teenagers to develop independence by encouraging them to take responsibility for their assignments and deadlines.

How can parents help their teenagers manage their time effectively during online school?

To help teenagers manage their time effectively, encourage them to use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments, deadlines, and class schedules. Teach them to prioritize tasks based on due dates and importance. Setting specific time blocks for studying, breaks, and leisure activities can also help them stay organized and balanced. Regularly reviewing their schedule together can ensure they stay on track.

What are some ways to address socialization challenges that teenagers may face with online schooling?

To address socialization challenges, encourage your teenager to engage in virtual group activities, such as study groups or online clubs related to their interests. Setting up regular video calls with friends can also help maintain social connections. Additionally, consider arranging safe, in-person meetups with friends, if possible, to provide opportunities for social interaction while following health guidelines.

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