In today’s educational landscape, the pressures on children and parents alike can be overwhelming. As a child, I often felt the immense weight of expectations, where success in school meant receiving love and validation, and failure led to anxiety and self-doubt. My identity became entangled in grades to the point that my self-worth hinged on academic performance, leading to a tumultuous experience filled with stress.
Now, as a mother of two young children and a stepmom to a teenager, I strive to create a nurturing environment that contrasts sharply with my own upbringing. My partner and I emphasize the importance of cultivating a love for learning rather than merely focusing on grades. Our home fosters curiosity and acceptance of mistakes, and it’s heartening to see our little ones flourish in this supportive atmosphere.
Conversely, my stepdaughter, a high achiever, faces significant academic stress, particularly in this period of isolation. The challenges she encounters while trying to juggle multiple subjects from a distance are daunting, especially when compared to the simple learning goals of younger kids.
It’s heartbreaking to witness children overwhelmed by their educational responsibilities, regardless of their ability to meet them. As a working mother who has navigated food insecurity, I deeply empathize with parents striving to balance their kids’ escalating academic demands while managing their own challenges.
Fortunately, I recently discovered a free hotline and website dedicated to assisting families during school closures. Once you learn more about this fantastic initiative, you’ll likely want to save their number for future reference.
“Our platform aims to support parents in overcoming the hurdles they face during school closures,” shares co-founder Julia Bennett. “We offer straightforward solutions and ensure that when a parent calls our hotline, they receive genuine empathy and assistance until we reach a resolution together.”
The idea for this resource emerged on March 11, when Bennett and her partner, Mark Taylor, discussed the millions of children across the U.S. who would suddenly find themselves as “involuntary homeschoolers.” They recognized a lack of cohesive support amid the overwhelming information available online. Within a day, they launched both a website and a hotline staffed with dedicated volunteers.
Initially focused on distance learning, they quickly realized that families were grappling with a range of additional challenges: food security, childcare needs, and financial stress, particularly for healthcare workers. Since its inception, the hotline has mobilized over 200 volunteers and partnered with 80 organizations, including educational experts and tech companies, to provide a coordinated response. They even secured volunteer tutors from universities to support kids remotely.
Bennett’s vision has remained clear from the outset: to create a safe space where parents and children can find immediate solutions to their pressing problems. “If a parent calls needing a tutor, we’ll connect them with an excellent volunteer and ensure it’s a good match. We also assist with accessing computers for remote learning and provide tailored advice on managing work-from-home situations,” she explains.
With over fifteen years of teaching experience, Bennett is committed to empowering families during these challenging times. Learning about her efforts genuinely moved me; I could have benefitted immensely from such a resource during my own struggles as a teenager.
When children or teens call, they receive the same compassionate support. Students can discuss their academic concerns and, if desired, connect with a tutor immediately. “We often hear from high schoolers eager to tutor younger kids,” Bennett notes.
In just over a month, the hotline has provided families with guidance on effectively using online learning tools, locating meal distribution sites, securing emergency childcare, and finding psychological support. “Many parents aren’t aware of where local schools are distributing meals,” Bennett says. “Our volunteers help them find these resources or even provide food directly through donations.”
The hotline’s founders recognize that the pandemic has intensified existing issues for families, and they hope to continue aiding parents in navigating education, work-life balance, affordable meals, and technology access as schools reopen. Bennett emphasizes the importance of self-compassion during this time. “No parent should be expected to educate their child while working full-time from home,” she states. “It’s essential to remove the pressure of perfection.”
Instead of stressing over academic performance, families should embrace natural learning opportunities. “Children are always learning, even outside of school,” Bennett assures. Engaging in conversation and letting kids explore their interests can foster their development.
As we tackle our children’s diverse needs, simplicity can be beneficial. Bennett encourages carving out quality time together, free from academic or work distractions. “If possible, dedicate a couple of hours each day just to be present with your child,” she suggests.
The hundreds of volunteers supporting this initiative are trained to listen and assist families, even connecting them with affordable therapy options. They’ve also teamed up with resources like Crisis Text Line to extend their support network. “It takes a significant number of volunteers to keep our hotline operating smoothly and ensure families receive crucial information about learning, food, and childcare,” Bennett explains.
While many essential workers are rightly celebrated as heroes, the contributions of advocates like Julia Bennett and Mark Taylor are equally vital during this tumultuous time. Their efforts have lightened the load for countless families.
If you or someone you know is struggling due to the challenges brought on by recent events, be sure to reach out to the hotline for support. It’s a lifeline for those navigating this difficult period.
Summary:
The article highlights a free hotline established to support families during school closures, emphasizing the importance of empathy and practical solutions for parents and children facing academic challenges. Founders Julia Bennett and Mark Taylor aim to alleviate the pressures of education during these unprecedented times, providing resources for tutoring, meals, and psychological support. Their initiative underscores the need for compassion and understanding in parenting and education, especially during crises.
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