How UAE Mothers Who Are Also Teachers Juggle Distance Learning, High Stress

2026-03-23 02:47:44

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The transition to distance learning has brought a unique set of challenges for educators across the UAE, but for teacher-mothers, the shift has meant navigating a delicate and demanding balancing act. <\/p>

As classrooms moved into living rooms, these women found themselves simultaneously managing their professional duties as educators and their personal responsibilities as mothers, often leading to extended hours and heightened stress.<\/p>

For many, the dual role requires not only delivering high-quality education to their students but also ensuring their own children remain engaged and on track with their virtual classes. The emotional and physical toll of this juggling act is a sentiment echoed by many across the country.<\/p>

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Maryam, a teacher and mother, described the experience as highly demanding and exhausting. \u201cIt requires extensive preparation, including designing lessons, assigning tasks, and ensuring that all links and materials shared with students are accurate and accessible,\u201d she explained. \u201cIn addition, I must continuously monitor students\u2019 attendance and actively motivate them to participate during online lessons.\u201d<\/p>
She highlighted the specific difficulties of teaching younger or lower-level students virtually. \u201cThere is a significant challenge in delivering content effectively to lower-level students, as they require more individualised support and closer guidance from the teacher. This adds to the overall workload and requires additional time and effort.\u201d<\/p>
Beyond her students, Maryam must also tend to her own family. \u201cAt the same time, I need to balance my professional responsibilities with my role as a mother \u2014 supporting my own children while teaching, supervising my students, and solving the various technical and academic issues they face. Therefore, online learning has become extremely stressful and demanding for us as both teachers and mothers.\u201d<\/p>
Haifa Mohammed Alwan, a 29-year-old working mother in the education sector, shared similar sentiments. With three children ranging from nursery to primary school age, the recent extension of distance learning and the closure of nurseries have added layers of complexity to her daily routine.<\/p>
\u201cSince my field of work is educational, my job has also shifted to a remote learning system,\u201d Haifa said. \u201cThe difficulty here lies in balancing the need to monitor my children to ensure they attend their classes on time and complete all their assignments \u2014 even my youngest, whose nursery has also moved to distance learning \u2014 with my need to isolate myself to complete my own work tasks.\u201d<\/p>
Despite the hurdles, Haifa remains optimistic, crediting family support for making the situation manageable. \u201cIf it weren\u2019t for the support of family, it would have been much more difficult, especially since their father and I are both busy with work demands. With God\u2019s grace, the remote school day passes successfully and gives us a beautiful sense of accomplishment. The situation during Ramadan was much harder, but I think it will be easier as we return to regular working hours.\u201d<\/p>
Kholoud Mohammed Al Kaabi, a learning resources specialist at a school in Al Ain who also handles administrative duties as a domain coordinator for nine schools, faces the monumental task of balancing her career with raising five children.<\/p>
\u201cThe extension of distance learning requires us, as working mothers, to exert greater effort to organise our time between work and monitoring our children\u2019s studies,\u201d Kholoud noted. \u201cThis may be accompanied by some challenges in reconciling family and professional responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>
However, she expressed strong support for the government\u2019s proactive measures. \u201cWe trust the wisdom of our wise leadership and their constant concern for the safety of society and the continuity of education. The UAE has proven its ability to deal with various circumstances with high efficiency, and we, in turn, stand in support of these decisions for the benefit of our children and our nation.\"<\/p>
Distance learning extended post-spring break<\/h3>
The challenges faced by these teacher-mothers are set to continue, as UAE authorities recently announced that distance learning will be extended for an additional two weeks following the spring break.<\/p>
The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council confirmed that students across public and private schools, as well as universities and nurseries, will study remotely starting March 23.<\/p>
This measure, aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community, also includes flexible remote work arrangements for caregivers among federal government employees, providing some relief for parents navigating this extended period of virtual education.<\/p>"},{"id":"03f81884-a36d-4c3b-8711-1a7d3bf7f57a","type":"text","family_id":"914ab7ee-5776-49d2-b2ec-df8c15b6d46d","page_url":"\/story\/fb853253-fbcf-4ff6-a3ed-a16ef444018b\/element\/03f81884-a36d-4c3b-8711-1a7d3bf7f57a","title":"","description":"","metadata":

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