Considering a return to education when you’re a parent can be really daunting. However, getting back to study can open up so many opportunities for you. You may want to continue on a career path that you started pre-children, have a desire to try something new, or are ready to embark on the career you have always dreamt of. Although having young children can pose potential barriers to study, it really is achievable with the right support and planning, and it is possible to create a good balance between studying and family life.
Being a parent can, at times, feel all consuming, and you may even feel guilty just at the thought of doing something for yourself. But remember you’re a role model for your children and finding fulfilment outside of parenting is not something to feel bad about. It’s also a great way to encourage a love for lifelong learning in your children. With the option for online studying, the added flexibility allows you to organise your studies around your family.
Although having young children can pose potential barriers to study, it really is achievable with the right support and planning, and it is possible to create a good balance between studying and family life.
While getting back into the world of study is a big step and there will be challenges to navigate, there are many ways to succeed, even if your children are very young.
One of the key points to study success is to organise your schedule in advance. By using a weekly planner to book in study time, family time, children’s activities, social commitments and anything else that is important to you, it allows you to prioritise your time. Obviously with family life, plans can change in an instant, and you should be open to being flexible, but your planner means you can try to stay on track where possible, helping you to stay calm, happy and focused. Don’t forget to put all your assignment deadlines into your calendar and to schedule time to do things you love.
Take up those offers from family and friends to help you out when you need them too. It really can help take a bit of the load off your shoulders.
It’s also a good idea to create an effective, designated study space: somewhere you can feel calm and free from stress. A suitable study space increases motivation and enhances productivity. Invest in a good chair and try to keep your desk clutter free!
Take up those offers from family and friends to help you out when you need them too. It really can help take a bit of the load off your shoulders.
It is important to learn how you best manage stress, especially when you are trying to balance family life, studying and your own wellbeing. Try to get a good amount of sleep (easier said than done when you have young children!) and take regular breaks – head outside for walks in nature to clear your mind. Regular exercise has long been considered beneficial in relieving stress – and don’t forget to supercharge your brain with healthy, nutritional food.
Be sure to make time to do things you love with the people you love. Not only will this give your mind a break, but it will also increase your overall happiness and reduce stress. You won’t be able to avoid stress entirely, but you can arm yourself with the tools to respond to it, as and when it happens.
