This mother takes pride in being a “Venmo Mom” and prefers not to volunteer at her children’s schools.
“I’m not sure about others, but ‘Meet the Teacher’ is incredibly stressful for me because I have no desire to be involved,” shared Casey Neal, a Tennessee mother of four, in a TikTok video. “I ensure that my kids complete their homework and arrive at school on time, but I have no interest in joining the PTO, PTA, being a Room Mom, or a Team Mom. I simply don’t want to do any of that.”
Neal admitted that she feels anxious whenever school and sports teams request parent volunteers.
“I feel a bit self-conscious when I see others raising their hands, as if they’re judging me for not participating,” she expressed. “But honestly, I don’t want to go through all the hassle. I don’t want to enter the room and go through the trouble of setting up everything.”
“Venmo Moms” like Neal choose to donate money instead of volunteering their time.
Neal expressed her willingness to contribute financially if the Room Mom required funds for everyone’s participation. In a video, she stated, “I’ll Venmo the money right away.” However, she made it clear that she did not want to take on the responsibility of setting up or organizing the event.
Neal humorously mentioned to one of the coaches today that he identifies as a Venmo Mom.
Neal was showered with gratitude from other Venmo Moms for bravely expressing her emotions. In fact, Room Moms, Team Moms, and teachers, who also happen to be covert “Venmo Moms,” hailed Neal for her honesty.
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- “I’m a teacher and don’t want to be involved in ‘Meet the Teacher.’”
- “I am a Venmo Mom with a side of Field Trip Mom.”
- “I’ll literally pay for the entire event. Just don’t make me go.”
- “As a PTO and Room Mom, we appreciate the Send Money Moms. A place for everyone!”
- “As an introvert, please don’t ask me!”
- “I’m a teacher and a Venmo Mom.”
- “All I can offer my daughter’s classroom is money and a well-behaved child.”
- “I have five kids, including triplets, and I was so shamed for not volunteering.”
- “Let’s normalize THIS please.”
- “Some of us have full-time jobs that don’t allow us the time to volunteer.”
Neal, a district store manager, shares with TODAY.com that she gave herself a nickname after feeling judged by some parents for not volunteering at her children’s previous schools. Her children range in age from 11 to 3.
Neal, a busy parent, expressed her frustration with her previous job that required constant travel, leaving her with little flexibility. As a result, she often struggled to attend her children’s sports practices, competitions, and games. This lack of availability also caused her to miss important notifications from her children’s school.
Neal remembers overhearing a former school mom make a “cruel comment” about her schedule. She also mentions that she had judgmental conversations with both a teacher and a coach.
In addition to volunteering at school, Neal has the added responsibility of supporting her children’s athletic endeavors. With three of her children participating in sports, she actively finds ways to contribute her time and support their activities.
Ever since her daughter joined competitive cheerleading in July, Neal has been constantly approached by other moms who are eager to organize group-bonding activities. To connect with other parents, Neal attended three “Meet the Teacher” events, which coincided with her son’s baseball practice. During these events, she proudly introduced herself as a “Venmo mom.”
According to her, the teachers appeared to be at ease with her proposal.
Moms are typically the ones who are expected to be present for school activities, oversee school enrollment, and be considered the primary parent, as Neal points out.
“When children get injured at school, the nurse typically contacts the mother first,” she explains.
Neal deeply appreciates the moms who generously give their time.
Neal, in his interview with TODAY.com, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in making things happen. He believes that when everyone comes together, the outcome is always a victory for all.