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Original poster

To think that online school might be the answer

110 replies

razzbo · 07/02/2025 11:37

I just want a wider opinion really as my friends think this is a stupid idea... but I'm considering taking my kids out of normal school and putting them in online school. I feel like I never see them - they're travelling to school, then at school all day, then there's after school clubs, then homework - my only interaction with them is just me nagging them to do homework or rushing them onto the next thing. They're constantly tired and stressed about school things and peers and mild bullying. I'm wondering whether online school might free up some time for family stuff and getting outdoors and better mental health in general. They're on board with the idea of it - I wouldn't be forcing them - and I work from home so I'd be there with them. Am just wondering whether anyone had any experience of it - pros and cons - that sort of thing?

OP posts:
UpMyself · 07/02/2025 11:52

They're on board with the idea of it You bet they are!

Doveyouknow · 07/02/2025 11:51

Would you spend much more time with them though? If you are working at home then presumably you will only see them on your lunch break or a coffee break. Also if you need to nag them to do school work already are they going to be motivated enough to work without your supervision?

iamnotalemon · 07/02/2025 11:50

It sounds like you are thinking of your best interests (to see them more), rather than their interests. I bet they'd be on board with it - most kids would be. But what if they are not motivated - will you be picking up the slack on top of trying to wfh? If you're already nagging them to do homework, you might end up nagging them to actually attend their lessons. What about all the social skills that being at school brings?
I don't know the age of the children but would your employer be ok with your attention being elsewhere if they're not at school.

Rachmorr57 · 07/02/2025 11:48

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TakeMe2Insanity · 07/02/2025 11:48

I’d worry that they’d miss out on socialising. Socialisation isn’t just nice friends you like but learning to respond to people who don’t like you/get along with etc.

MintTwirl · 07/02/2025 11:48

I don’t use online school but I do home educate(it’s been over 10 years now) and I don’t regret it at all. I’m not going to say that it is always easy but I don’t think I’ll ever regret all the time that I’ve been able to spend with my kids.

Upstartled · 07/02/2025 11:48

It sounds risky. How old are your children?

Neverenoughbooksorcats · 07/02/2025 11:46

Ask in home ed groups especially in Facebook. Or even the home ed board.

ThimbleT · 07/02/2025 11:46

I agree with your friends I’m afraid. Unless there’s a major drip feed coming, I think it’s a bad idea. Isolating your children at home so they can be near you whilst you work wouldn’t be fair to them. School is about so much more than academic study. It’s a key part of how they learn to navigate their way through life and be part of society.

Sirzy · 07/02/2025 11:45

if your having to nag them to do homework then how do you think they will be motivated enough to do online school?

there is very much a place for online school but from what you have said I don’t think the reasonings you use are strong enough to make it sounds the right choice.