Beginning college can cause jitters – both the nervous kind and those of excitement. However, when you are also a mom, the thought of returning to college can be downright overwhelming. There are many steps you can take to make the transition easier for both yourself and your children.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can really help to alleviate some of the nerves about returning to school. You may be worrying about who will look after your kids while you study, how dinner will get made and how the laundry will get done. This can be a great time to not only create a schedule, but also ask for some extra help. Child care is probably the first thing to consider. If your children are in day care or school, you might not think to look for a baby sitter. However, there may be times when you need someone to watch the kids so you can finish a paper or attend a study group. Try to find a baby sitter that is very reliable, so you won't be left scrambling for child care after a last-minute cancellation. You may also wish to ask family members that you trust if they would mind taking the kids out occasionally when you need extra time for your studies. Creating a plan for meal preparation and household chores can also be helpful. Maybe you will plan to cook all meals on the weekend and freeze them, or bring in a housekeeping company to regularly clean your home. Simply knowing that you have a plan can help alleviate nerves about returning to school as a mom.It is also important to set up a study area in your home. This should ideally be in a separate room and contain everything you need to study, including books, school supplies, and a computer. The reason that this is important is because it gives you a private area to complete your school work. You can teach your family not to disturb you while you are in this room, unless it is an emergency. This also keeps your school supplies safe from curious hands. Having a designated study area can also have positive effects on your studying, because your brain knows that when you sit down at your desk it is time to study. A designated study area should be free of distractions, so you can stay focuses.
Consider Your School
Finding the right school for you can go a long way in helping you be successful when returning to college. After considering the school's program, it is important to take the school's location into account. Choosing a campus that is close to home will be helpful in case of an emergency, and will also help you save time commuting. Some moms prefer to take online classes for convenience and flexibility; more information about online college can be obtained at GuidetoOnlineSchools.com. You might also want to look into the school's financial aid and scholarship programs. There are many scholarships and bursaries available for moms attending college, which can help lessen any financial burden.Sources
College Degree Complete (2012)Back to College (2004)
