Distance Learning – Should I Let My Teen Set Up Shop From Their Bedroom

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Distance learning is in full effect for the school year 2020-2021. We started distance learning today, September 8. Once it was confirmed that our school year would begin 100% online, I swore up and down to my husband that our teenagers would NOT set up shop in their rooms. They were going to come down every morning and do work either in the kitchen, dining room, living room, or basement. I mean, either of these rooms would be a pretty sweet set up.

Well…that didn’t happen.

Orientation took place last week, and we agreed the kids could set up wherever they wanted because it wasn’t a full day.

You can take a listen about that day in the video above. Trust me; I had to reference my Best Tip To Handling Distance Learning post.

My teenager’s argument for attending distance learning from the bedroom

No matter if you’re reading this post at the beginning of the school year, mid-year, or end of the school year, it may be because your teen wants to stay in their room to attend class. I will say it once again, “I was NOT having it.” Nope! I wanted my teens to come out of their rooms.

BUT

One made a pretty solid argument for remaining in her room. Oh, trust. It was an argument in a respectable manner that is.

• good grades
• will keep the door open
• will log on from the patio once a week
• will hop on from another room in the house for a couple of classes each week

My response to my teenager’s argument to attend distance learning from the bedroom

I often think back to the days before I had kids. All the things I said I would or wouldn’t allow MY children to do. The children I didn’t even have. Heck, the children I didn’t want. Yeah, you read that right. I didn’t want kids! 

And you know what? I still find myself changing my mind about things when it comes to the kids. Some nights DadJonz and I talk about how we change our minds about rules and how we handle situations with each child. I use to ponder over decisions, but now I look at it as growing as their mother. Learning to let them make grow into the FABulous young ladies they are.

As our kids grow, I allow them to make decisions. Some decisions that is. DadJonz and I have to trust that we’ve set the foundation for them to make somewhat of a decent decision. Don’t get it twisted. They still get the head tilt and side-eye with some of the nonsense they try dropping. Ok, that’s another story. Let me focus.

Goodness.

So, my response to my teenager’s argument to attend distance learning from her room:

• maintain your GPA
• keep your room clean
• limit phone usage while in class
• emerge from your room to attend class outside of the room as agreed
• get out of the house daily to enjoy some fresh air. Take a walk or sit outside daily

Fair enough. Why?

Cause I gotta do what’s best for my home. And because we’re about to use this as a real world lesson.

You gotta do what’s best for your house

When making the decision where your teenager should or shouldn’t attend class for distance learning, you gotta do what’s best for your house and your child.

Have a real conversation with your teen. Ask them why they want to remain in their room.

Hear them out. As hard as it may be, you gotta remember that they are growing up. And no! I’m not a parent who believes kids have the right to express themselves by saying whatever is on their mind or destroying things. But I am a mom who believes that within reason, a teen needs to learn good communication skills. So, why not practice them at home. Give them a chance to plead their case.

Come up with a plan. Talk it out. Come to a sensible agreement.

Put it in writing. I call this “welcome to the real world.” Draft that bad boy into a contract. Yep! It doesn’t need to be elaborate. Make a few bullet points that both of you agree to include. Add two signature lines with dates and BAM! Make sure to add any consequences to the contract as well.

Follow through. This is probably the most challenging part. But, once you have your plan and signed contract, make sure you follow through with any consequences. And no. I don’t remind mine. After we all sign the contract, everyone receives a copy. It’s our teen’s responsibility to keep up with it and ensure she’s within the contract terms.

It’s very easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing when it comes to LOVE, LIFE, FAMILY & HOME. This new school year of distance learning is adding one more thing that many parents find themselves searching for answers too. And that’s ok. I’m a firm believer that we all learn through other’s experiences and stories. BUT the biggest problem that we have is that we don’t assess our own property before looking at others’ property. We immediately want to hire the same contractor to repair the exact same issues in our home instead of looking to see if we have the same problems. You know what? We usually do not have the same problems. Your neighbor may have a leaky faucet that has caused major water damage, and they need to pull out the entire row of cabinets. You may not need a whole row of new cabinets like your neighbor. You may only need to tighten that pipe to fix that slow drip. Or your neighbor only has the leaky faucet, and you need an entire kitchen remodel.

I say that to say this…when it comes to your teenager and distance learning this school year, take a moment to hear them out. Just because so and so says to make your kids come out of their room or they should only work at the kitchen table, that may not work in your home. Keep your home’s needs first.

Yes! It’s important for all kids and adults to get out of their rooms. BUT if your child can do their work and perform well, it’s worth a shot. Don’t add an additional level of stress. Set those guidelines and follow through.

Follow me on my Facebook page and I will do a quick LIVE this Friday talking about some guidelines to put in place.

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