As a parent living in a busy household with dozens of chores, responsibilities, late nights, mountains of laundry, and errands to run, the idea of taking on a degree can feel like a serious error of judgment. But, interestingly, this hasn’t stopped parents up and down the country from picking up their books and heading back to school as adults with a new dream and vocation focus. So, if you’re thinking of a career in the health sector, discover your options at occupational therapy college through USA.edu.
Whatever your educational and career goals, juggling your responsibilities as a parent and student can quickly become overwhelming; therefore, parent-students need to approach their education with planning and forward-thinking in mind. So, let’s explore how to juggle your studies and your parental responsibilities.
Create A Strong Schedule (and Stick to It)
All students are advised to create and stick to a study schedule to ensure they’re learning the right information at the right time and keeping up with the pace of the semester, all in time for the end-of-year exams. As a parent entering the classroom, your schedule must be a detailed list of your studying hours and assignment due dates and your responsibilities as a parent, i.e., appointments, the school run, and other parental obligations. The more control you have of your schedule, the less of life’s little hiccups (such as sick children) will deter you from your studying goal.
Make Quality Time a Priority
While you put together a study schedule, quality family time should be an essential part of your week says lemonlimeadventures.com. This could be part of the bedtime routine, or an hour each evening where you read together, watch TV or go to the park. Ensuring your children have the focus and attention they need will make this new change in your life much easier for everyone – and you’ll feel less guilty about focusing on yourself.
Make Studying a Family Affair
Including your children in your studies is a smart move. It not only reduces feelings of resentment but also helps children understand and respect this additional priority you now have. Schedule some time where they can sit and do their homework alongside you; you’ll be amazed at how much you inspire them to take their own studies seriously.
Create a Strong Support Network
Sometimes, planning and scheduling can go wrong, and it can feel like you have too much on your plate. Ensuring you have a strong support network of family and friends around you will guarantee you don’t throw in the towel and keep going instead. Utilize as much help as you can, whether it’s with babysitting, the school drop-off, a friend taking the kids to the park for an hour while you study – don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for assistance. You’ll be amazed at how many people want you to succeed and who are eager to help.
Final Thoughts…
Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you have to place your study aspirations on the backburner; follow these study tips to get started!