Casey Neal, a 31-year-old mother of four from Tennessee, recently made waves on TikTok after sharing a video where she proudly declared herself a “Venmo mom.” In the video, which has garnered over 450,000 views, Neal expressed her reluctance to volunteer in her kids’ classrooms or for their extracurricular activities. She made it clear that while she ensures her children complete their homework and arrive at school on time, she has no desire to take on roles such as room mom, team mom, or PTA member.
When the school year or sports season approaches and volunteers are requested, Neal admitted feeling stressed and anxious about being judged for not raising her hand to help. She disclosed that she prefers to avoid the responsibilities of setting up for events and participating in various school functions. Instead, Neal stated that she is more than willing to contribute financially by Venmoing money to support the needs of the classroom or sports team.
As a mother of four children aged 11, 7, 5, and 3, who are involved in activities like cheerleading, baseball, and football, Neal emphasized her role as a working parent. Having previously worked as a district manager for Andy’s Frozen Custard, Neal found it challenging to attend school functions during the workday, leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion from certain social circles.
Neal recounted an incident where she felt judged by other parents for not staying at her children’s school events or practices. Despite facing criticism and negative comments, Neal decided to embrace her role as a Venmo mom, choosing to support her children’s activities from the sidelines rather than taking on lead roles in planning and organization.
The response to Neal’s video was overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers expressing solidarity with her approach. Fellow parents commended her for finding a unique way to contribute to school events and activities while maintaining a balance with her work commitments. Some viewers shared their own experiences as introverted parents who preferred providing financial support over volunteering their time.
While there were a few detractors who questioned the value of financial contributions over active participation, Neal stood by her decision, emphasizing the importance of finding a community of like-minded parents who appreciate and support different forms of involvement. She highlighted the diversity of parent roles within school communities, noting that each individual contributes in their unique way to create a positive and inclusive environment for all.
Ultimately, Neal’s message resonated with parents who felt overwhelmed by traditional expectations of volunteering and expressed gratitude for her advocacy for alternative forms of support. By embracing her identity as a Venmo mom, Neal has sparked a conversation about the various ways parents can contribute to their children’s educational and extracurricular experiences. In a world where parental involvement is often equated with time commitment, Neal’s story serves as a reminder that support can come in many forms, and each parent has the right to define their role based on their individual circumstances and preferences.
