Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you can’t pursue an education. Of course, studying with kids is a lot harder than studying without – you need to learn how to juggle your time so that you’re spending enough time with your children and enough time on your studies. Here are just a few tips to help you manage.
Consider an online course
It’s now possible to study many courses online. In fact, you can even take nursing courses remotely such as this online MSN program. These courses allow you to study from home in your own time rather than having to attend scheduled lectures and seminars at a campus. By being able to study more flexibly, you can be there for your kids and create a study schedule more suited to your needs.
Schedule your study time
Without a weekly schedule, you’re likely to put off studying. Dedicating allocated time to studying will keep you on track and it will make it easier for you to arrange a babysitter for your kids if you need it. Try to choose times when you’re least likely to get interrupted, but make sure that you can also concentrate during these times. Waiting until the kids have gone to bed could prevent you having to get someone else to look after your kids, but it may be too late for your mind to focus – you may find that you’re able to take more in during the morning.
Find a suitable space to study
You don’t want to be studying in the living room with the TV on and your kids constantly nagging you. Find somewhere in your home that’s free of distractions – you may be able to convert a room into a temporary study or simply escape to your bedroom. Alternatively, you could try studying in a coffee bar or your local library.
Spare time for other commitments
Studying and parenting may not be the only commitments you have. You may also have to work and take care of household chores. On top of this, you need to still spend time with your partner, family, and friends. You may find that you have to start scheduling out your whole week to fit all these tasks in. Don’t forget to also allow free time to relax!
Get help with funding
Affording studies as a parent can be difficult. You may have to reduce work hours to find study time, but this could result in a lack of income. There may also be issues such as the cost of hiring a babysitter if you don’t have any friends and family available to do this for you. Fortunately, schemes exist out there such as Care To Learn which can offer some funding to help make life easier. Your university may also be able to offer a grant or some kind of financial aid – it’s always worth enquiring about.
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