The kids always head back to school when it’s fall. Sometimes, however, mothers need to attend classes as well. Returning to post-secondary after spending years raising your children, can be scary. You may feel out of the loop.
If you determine to not let the fear overwhelm you, you’re in for a rewarding experience. A good bit of the success that you have going back to school as a mom comes from an ability to think on your feet and figure problems out as they come. Additionally, these few ideas can help make the journey easier:
The University’s Resources for Mothers
University authorities often understand that moms heading back to school face specific challenges. Many offer groups and resources to help moms manage the workload that their courses come with. It’s a good idea to talk to your enrollment advisor about the resources available.
Start With an Easy Schedule
It can be tempting to take on a heavy course load to be able to get through your program in as little time as possible. When you have children at home, however, taking on a full course load can be overwhelming. It’s better to start with one or two courses. It might even be a good idea to pick an online program. Both learning and earning good grades are what matters. Therefore, accepting a heavy course load and barely passing those classes won’t help you.
Help Your Children Understand the Change
Young children can have a hard time understanding why their mom needs to spend time at school and studying at home, instead of paying attention to them. It may take a few attempts, but explaining to your children how education is a good thing and is something you love, can help them come to terms with your new schedule.
Understand Why You’re Going Back
There will be times when your program will seem too hard to pull off. You may even consider giving up. In these times, you’ll need the strength that comes from a deep understanding of why you need to go to school in the first place. If you don’t have great reasons for why school is necessary, you may find it difficult to keep going. Read up on how a post-secondary degree helps you to find a better-paying job. When you realize that your post-secondary degree can offer your children a better life, you will have your heart in it.
Do Your Credits Transfer?
If you attended post-secondary school for a while in the past, the work that you did back then could give you credits you can use now. Find out if you can transfer those credits to your current program.
Scholarships for Mothers
Tons of scholarships help finance a student’s return to school. Therefore, if you need help paying for your education, check out the many sources of financial help available to mothers.
Develop a Strict Schedule
Managing childcare responsibilities alongside a course load can be challenging. It’s important to have a plan for how you will power through guilt and distractions. Remembering that you’re doing it all for your children can help. All you need to do is to set aside study time and make sure that it is non-negotiable.
Prepare a Budget
Going back to school can be expensive. To manage it alongside raising a family can be particularly challenging. It’s essential, even before you go back to school, to work out how exactly you will manage your finances. Preparing a budget can help you understand your cash flow and tighten your belt where necessary. The money that you save can spell the difference between being able to go to school and having to drop out.
When starting school again, there’s a lot about the experience that’s positive and enjoyable. So slow down sometimes, make friends, enjoy what you learn, and feel good about yourself.
Furthermore, if you are looking for more information, read Tips For Supporting a University Student next.