How To Return To Studying As A Mom

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There are many well-documented benefits of pursuing further education – namely due to the fact that they help you to build the kind of life you have always dreamed of. They can also help you pursue a higher-paid or more fulfilling career.

However, pursuing further education as a mom can sometimes seem impossible. After all, it often seems as though there aren’t enough hours in the day with all of your parenting responsibilities, let alone working through a textbook at the same time.

The reason behind this outlook is not surprising. In fact, a recent study found that ’mothers were much more likely than fathers to report experiencing significant career interruptions to attend to their families’ needs.’

However, it’s important to remember that you do not need to put your career or educational dreams on hold to be a good parent. In fact, studying is an excellent way to set an example for your children – showing them that you can achieve anything you have set your mind to.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to make the transition into being a student as smooth as possible for the whole family. 

Find a flexible degree

Studies suggest that you should expect to spend around 21 hours a week studying when undertaking a degree – and this does not factor in other time-consuming tasks such as commuting. As a result, you must find a degree that is flexible so that it is easier to mold your schedule around it. For example, you could look into 100% Online Doctorate Degree Programs so that you can continue to stay at home with your kids while studying. These courses are often structured much more flexibly, as you get to choose when you study. 

Study part-time

Studying part-time can also make returning to education easier, as it essentially divides your workload in half. Many students returning to education after taking some time away find this useful as it helps them to re-acclimatize with studying without being instantly overwhelmed by their workload.  Furthermore, it’s also a great way to make college more affordable as you don’t have to pay the entire lump sum of the course at once. 

Be your own biggest champion

Studying for a degree like a masters in marriage and family therapy and taking care of your children simultaneously, requires an incredible amount of energy, time, and focus – which means that you have to be able to motivate yourself throughout. As a result, you also need to be your own biggest fan by letting yourself know that you can do this – even when things seem hard. 

Set up a study space

In the same way in which setting up a home office is essential for those working from home, having a designated study zone will help you to stay productive when studying and rebuilding your career. It is far better to set up a small working space than it is to work from your sofa or bed – as your mind usually associates these spaces with comfort and relaxation, meaning you’ll find it harder to focus.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.