Many moms are tempted to go back to school to further their education, to get a better job and make a better future for their families, or to give themselves something outside of the home to focus on. Either way, this is a great time for you to study. You are more mature than you were at 18, you’ve learned a lot from life, and you know what you want. You may also have more money or a better support network. You’ll really make the most of the opportunity. However, many women worry they just won’t have time, or that they’ll neglect their families. This doesn’t have to be the case at all. You can easily enjoy studying, and raising your family at the same time.
Study Online
Online study is a brilliant option for studying while you look after your family. It allows you to work when you can, without the pressures of getting to class on time. Online degrees were once taken less seriously than those earned in school. However, this is no longer the case. With more schools offering the option to study online, and even master’s courses such as an online MBA program, being offered, most employers look at it the same as they would any other degree. You may find that they respect you more for managing to do it at all. Studying an online MBA degree would be a great place to start if you dream of setting up your own business.
Study Part-Time
Like online study, part-time options are now more readily available and offer you a much greater flexibility. Yes, it will take you longer to complete your course. But it will also mean you know you can give both your studies and your family your best.
Ask for Help
If you need help, ask for it. Friends and family love to babysit. It would be great if you could arrange a regular day when you can be child free to study, but even the odd hour will help. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can do without kids around. If you don’t have anyone that can help, think about hiring a babysitter before exams and important deadlines.
Take a Break
Rest! Even mom’s need a good break sometimes and having some time away from both studying, and your children will help you refresh yourself, even if it’s just a walk alone or a nice hot bath. You’ll be a better parent and a better student because of the time away.
If you are going to take on a course while raising children, organization is going to be essential. Get your kids into a routine, not just with bedtime, but their daytime activities, so you always know when you’ll have time to study. Make sure you plan well in advance for any changes to this routine, but at the same time you should be prepared for any unexpected changes that might occur. A great support network will be a massive help.
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[…] a previous article, we’ve talked about why it is a great idea to go back to school now that you’re a mom. There are plenty of alternatives to choose from too, from studying part-time to taking an online […]