One Too Many Hats... The Burden of Distance Learning On Single Parents
- Tara Taylor
- Apr 28, 2020
- 2 min read
Imagine being the bread winner, the nurturer, the cook, the housekeeper, the friend, the fan, the disciplinarian. Imagine being all of these things and more EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. The act of “keeping all of the balls in the air” for a single mother is more than juggling, it’s magic. Circumstances require single mothers to exhibit grit, determination and perseverance at super hero levels on a daily basis.
But, wait. That’s not enough. Let’s add teacher to the mix.
Shelter in place orders, while difficult for all, are creating a massively disproportionate strain on single parents. We are asking these individuals to become teachers, while being employees, mothers and care takers… ALONE. They are without support, worried about making ends meet, worried about their children falling behind, worried about the epidemic the nation is addressing… And now, we have added that one final brick that will make the entire structure crumble. There is not a question of IF, but WHEN.
The distance learning plan, while no doubt made with the best of intentions, is failing these families. 25% of our nation’s children are being raised by single parents (35% here in Sacramento County). Are we really willing to fail so many children? We can argue that these children won’t fall that far behind in just a few months, but the reality is, statistically speaking, they are already more likely to suffer educational deficiencies and have lower incomes as adults. While it is true that there are so many children of single parents who defy the odds, should we really be stacking the deck even higher against them?
And, what about mom’s mental health? Single mothers already carry an excessive amount of mom guilt. They already struggle to find any semblance of balance, to make room for their own care. So, let's exacerbate the problem? We are racing a clock, a clock that will wind down to UNNECESSARY negative outcomes.
This plan has failed. This school year is over. It is time to acknowledge it and determine how to move forward next year in a way that properly supports ALL of our families.
Really appreciated this honest look at the challenges of distance learning for single parents , such an important topic that resonates with many! 👏 Also, check out this classic spencer dutton outfit , a timeless piece that adds rugged Western style to any wardrobe!
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This post really highlights the strength and resilience needed to juggle big responsibilities — whether it’s distance learning or planning a major life decision like studying abroad. For students exploring MBBS in Romania for Indian students, Romania offers quality medical education with English-medium programs, affordable fees, and hands-on clinical training that help ease the transition to studying medicine abroad. The supportive campus environment and multicultural student community bring uplifting education vibes, making the journey toward becoming a doctor both inspiring and achievable.
This article truly captures the real struggles that single parents face with distance learning—especially when they’re juggling work, childcare, teaching, and so much more. The honest way you describe the emotional load, the “too many hats,” and the exhaustion that comes with trying to be everything at once really resonates. It’s a powerful reminder that remote education isn’t just about Zoom calls or assignments—it's about the unseen effort and fatigue that parents carry every day.
I also appreciate how the piece doesn’t just focus on challenges but opens space for empathy and community support. That kind of perspective is so important, not just for single parents, but for anyone involved in education today.
On a related note, as families plan…
MBBS in China is often discussed for its standardized medical curriculum and growing number of international students. What’s helpful in articles like this is the focus on practical aspects such as teaching methods, language of instruction, and clinical exposure. I’ve seen similar balanced information shared on platforms like Education Vibes, which helps students understand both the opportunities and considerations before choosing this path.