For many of us, becoming a parent means that some of our career dreams have had to take a back seat. However, returning to higher education as a parent, while daunting, can help you achieve some of these career dreams.
Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or taking the next step with a postgraduate course, balancing your learning with your parenting responsibilities can be challenging.
So, if you’re thinking of returning to higher education, here are just five fantastic tips to help you embark on a successful journey.
1. Plan and Prioritise Your Time
Time management is one of the most essential skills that we can all master, not just for our education but for our parenting and careers.
You should start by creating a detailed schedule that includes any lectures you need to attend, study sessions, assignment deadlines, and family responsibilities as this will help you give you the full picture of everything you need to do in a day, week, and month.
If organisation isn’t your strong suit, then apps such as Remember the Milk can be a great way to keep track of your personal, professional, and academic tasks.
2. Consider Distance Learning
As a parent, returning to a traditional campus setting can feel impossible, particularly if your children are young.
However, with an online degree programme, such as the range of PhD courses offered by providers such as Signum Magnum College, you can take your learning online.
Distance learning is ideal for parents as it allows you to fit your education around your parenting responsibilities; completing your studies when your children are either in school or bed.
3. Utilise Support Systems
While you might worry that higher education as a parent, particularly if you choose distance learning, will be an isolating experience, it doesn’t need to be.
Make sure that you keep in touch with your peers and tutors, not only will this help you with your learning, but they may also relate to your experiences.
And, if it’s an option for you, you could consider childcare options that will allow you to devote some weekdays to studying without the distraction of your children around. Whether it’s after school clubs or holiday programmes, not only will they keep your children occupied, but also learning too.
4. Communicate With Your Family
When you make the decision to return to higher education, it may require some significant changes in your household. Ensuring that you’re able to communicate openly about these changes with your family will help to ensure a smoother transition.
It’s important to explain your goals to them so that they understand why you’ve chosen to return to education, as well as setting boundaries so that you can make sure you have quiet study time.
And, depending on the age of your children, you could even get them involved by helping you organise.
5. Practise Better Self-Care
Self-care is essential, particularly if you’re also studying. One of the best things that you can do for your self-care is to start practising mindfulness routines.
Mindfulness is the art of living in the moment, and can help you find a sense of calm when the stress of your academic and personal life starts to become too much.
Share your tips for returning to higher education as a parent in the comments below!