5 Tips for Moms Who Want to Further Their Education

Studying towards a degree is challenging regardless of the circumstances, but even more so when you are a parent and must balance looking after your children, keeping up the household, and dedicating enough time to your coursework. The good news is that with a bit of planning and perseverance, it is possible. Here are some tips to help you through.

Take Time to Consider Your Options

It will obviously be to your benefit to select a university that is near where you and your family are living. For example, if you live in Los Angeles, then UCLA will surely be at the top of your list. Keep in mind, though, that this prestigious university is notoriously difficult to get into, with an average acceptance rate of just over 17%. UCLA requirements are also notoriously stringent and you will usually need to have a GPA of as close to 3.89 (the average for UCLA students) as possible.

Look into all your options before proceeding and don’t hesitate to apply to more than one institution to boost your chances of being accepted. You may also consider something less difficult like checking how to get an online human services degree.

Learn and Embrace Clever Shortcuts

Now is the time to brush up on your parenting hacks! For instance, cut down on cooking duties during the week by grabbing the opportunity to conduct most of the meal prep over the weekend. Ensure that the kids' uniforms or clothes and lunches are ready the night before so that the morning routine is less daunting.

Another excellent shortcut is to get your children involved in the chores. There are various age appropriate chores to consider for kids from as young as two years old. Plus, it is a great way to teach them about responsibility.

Ask for Help

Studying in conjunction with parenting is not something that you should do alone. Save your sanity by putting your pride aside and asking your friends and loved ones for help. Maybe your mother can assist with the laundry and a bit of the cooking, and perhaps your friendly neighbor might be interested in lending a hand with the children's homework? If the kids’ father is able to, be sure to insist that he gets more involved in the day-to-day running of the household, especially in the evenings so that you have extra time to get some studying in before bedtime.

Give Your Kids Your Undivided Attention

Teach your kids that you are off limits when you are working or studying but be sure to make it fair by giving them periods of undivided attention in between. No smartphones or laptops in sight when you are playing, chatting, or sharing a meal with your little ones.

Find Balance

You may reach a point where you feel that all you do is work and that you are jumping from one important task to the next. While it is a reality that a large portion of your day (and night) will be dedicated to juggling responsibilities, it is essential that you find a certain amount of time — at least 30 minutes — for yourself every day. Without balance, your schedule simply won’t be sustainable.

You’ve got this!