Parenting & Studying: No Longer a Myth
Studying while parenting is not a match made in heaven! Earning a degree while cleaning after the kids and the house is a grueling task but many are able to do it. It has been made easier nowadays, too. The advancement of technology gives you the opportunity to do this by distance learning degrees brought to you with the help of your own computer in the comforts of your home.
Making this decision is not for the weak-hearted. This may sound like a dream but it is not a far-fetched possibility. Technology today understands this dilemma and created a globalised education system for working mothers or fathers like you. The distance learning degrees made accessible are offered by various institutes, like NC IUL, through their many online programs.
Look ahead, organise, and plan now. Here are a few tips that might help your parenting and studying duties a bit easier.
Plan and Prioritise
Balance is key. Planning ahead will guide you towards a focused series of activities in order for you not to neglect important things in your studies and your time with your children. To be able to come up with a good plan, ask people like you or read about other people’s experiences and gather information. The more information you have, the more you become aware of the situation you will be heading. Planning things will keep you organised and gives you more flexibility to work ahead of the schedule.
Inform your family
Your plans should be made known to your family especially your children. Let them understand you need their support to accomplish your career goals. Better yet, make plans with them because their involvement will make them understand why it matters to you and them being around you is a great support system.
Schedule studying with family
Why not do some homework with your kids? Sit together and focus on school work. This allows you to spend time with them while you study but be very careful not to spend too much time on their home works, though. You have been forewarned! Be creative in finding ways to involve them and also allowing yourself to excel at the same time. Children love to help out making those flash cards or testing you for the coming exam. It is also good for them to be learning new words and ideas.
Be competitive
People find so many reasons to not be able to do something. Don’t be one of those people. You are a mother, a father, a student and maybe you are also working full time which makes you an inspiration to others. Since you are already on this path, make the best out of it. Try to excel! Manage your time carefully and multitask. Think of ways to do your chores and study simultaneously. All the hard work will pay off eventually. Your record will show just how much effort you have put in.
Be kind to yourself
Don’t do it all and forget your personal needs. Your health is equally important. Eat well, exercise and find time to rest. This is not vanity. This is to make sure you are fit and productive in all the areas of your life. Everybody performs better when they feel good, refreshed and energised! Lighten your mood by looking for humour at home or with friends. Everybody needs a break from time to time.
In parting, you are on a journey to getting smarter and better! Motivate yourself as much as you can. Tell yourself that you can do it because many already did. Why shouldn’t you?
Written by: Mary Davis. Mary is a freelance journalist who loves exploring the world and most of all getting to know different cultures, languages, habits and of course food. She is also very passionate about literature and spends hours in book stores.