If you’ve been a stay-at-home mom for any length of time, the idea of going back to school can feel both overwhelming and exciting. Whether you want to complete your degree, start a new career and get back to business, or just want to take an opportunity to better yourself, there’s no “wrong” reason to go to school at any age.
But, you might be wondering how you’ll still be able to balance your home life while taking classes. Some parents choose not to go back to school because they’re worried they won’t have the time, or won’t be able to give their family the attention they need.
So, how can you balance your home life while advancing your education? Let’s look at a few helpful tips.
Go to School Online
Over 5 million students take at least one online course. That’s a combination of students who physically attend a university and those who strictly take remote classes.
As a stay-at-home mom, taking classes online is a great way to offer yourself flexibility. In many cases, you can log on to your class whenever you have time and work at your own pace as long as you can meet deadlines. You’ll still have the opportunity to talk with your professors, interact with other students, and learn the standard curriculum, all from the comfort of your own home.
There are even remote MBA programs you can enroll in, so no matter the level of education you’re trying to achieve, you can do it anywhere and on your own time.
Stay Organized
You’re probably already trying to stay organized as much as possible. But, if you want to go back to school, organization is your new best friend. Create a physical schedule for both your school work and your home life. That way, you won’t find yourself cramming for a test the night before, and you won’t end up missing your son’s soccer game.
There will be days where that schedule will look overwhelming. But, you can take comfort in knowing you’re on top of things and getting it all done, rather than scrambling to figure out your “to-do” list each day.
Ask for Help
You don’t have to tackle the task of going back to school and being a full-time parent on your own. If this is something you truly want to do, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your spouse can be a great resource for support, but so can any family member or friend. Getting someone to watch your children for a few hours each day can make a difference.
Let the people who care about you know about your goals and why you want to achieve them. More often than not, they’ll be thrilled to help you out and support you as you work toward those goals.
Going back to school doesn’t have to be impossible when you’re a mom. As long as you stay dedicated to your goals, make your mental and physical health a priority, and find the right balance between classes and home, you can make it happen and get your hands on the degree you’ve always wanted.
