• 24 May 2025
• By admin

“When Teaching Becomes Parenting: The Hidden Burden on Families”

“When Teaching Becomes Parenting: The Hidden Burden on Families” encapsulates a growing concern where educators increasingly find themselves stepping into roles traditionally held by parents. This shift places additional pressure on families, particularly mothers, who often bear the brunt of these expanded responsibilities.

The Expanding Role of Teachers

Educators are increasingly taking on responsibilities that go beyond traditional teaching. In some communities, teachers are stepping in as caregivers and moral guides due to parental neglect or unavailability. For instance, in certain informal settlements in Nairobi, teachers have become pivotal figures in shaping children's behavior and providing emotional support, roles typically associated with parenting.

This expansion of duties is not limited to developing regions. In the Philippines, academic mothers reported blurred boundaries between work and home life during the pandemic, leading to increased stress as they juggled teaching responsibilities with caregiving duties.

The Impact on Families

The additional responsibilities placed on teachers often translate into increased burdens for families. Mothers, in particular, experience what is termed the "invisible load," which encompasses managerial, cognitive, and emotional tasks related to family life. This load can lead to burnout and stress, especially when support systems are lacking.

Well Roots Counseling

Furthermore, the pandemic exacerbated these challenges. Mothers found themselves managing remote schooling, health concerns, and household duties simultaneously, leading to heightened anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed.

A Call for Structural Change

Addressing this issue requires systemic changes. Educators need adequate training and support to fulfill their roles effectively without overstepping into parenting territories. Additionally, families require robust support systems, including affordable childcare and flexible work policies, to alleviate the burdens placed on them.

As highlighted by Vickie Johnson, a former deputy headteacher in the UK, a cultural shift towards flexible working policies is essential to retain talented educators and support families effectively .