According to UNESCO, the gender gap in enrolment and attendance has been declining over the last two decades, with a gender gap of one percent remaining at all levels of education. Whether a girl child or a mother, everyone can and should pursue education to build a career. As a mother, you’re already one of the most important people in the world.
But for many women, becoming a mother also means taking on a new role as an educator. From teaching your children about life to helping them learn new skills and develop their unique interests, being an educator is one of the most rewarding things, you can do as a parent.
It can also be true if you have other children and are trying to find ways to continue your education while providing for those who depend on you. Here are some tips on how to do both.
Take Your Time
Being a mother is not an easy job. It requires the utmost dedication, passion, and commitment to be able to care for your child’s needs. If you plan to return to school, ensure that you are ready for all that comes with it.
For example, suppose you plan on pursuing a Master’s degree after becoming a mother. In that case, it will require more time and energy than other types of degrees, such as undergraduate or associate degrees, because those usually take less than two years of study time compared to graduate programs which can sometimes extend up until five years depending on the program type.
Take note, when considering whether or not it’s worth returning to academia, consider how much time away from home would be necessary during school breaks and how much time would need to be dedicated to completing assignments/projects.
In addition, know what kind of financial burden might come with raising children while also attending school full-time. Therefore, if possible, try getting loans beforehand so there won’t be any delays once classes start up again later down the road.
Make Sure Your Children Know What Is at Stake
For your children to understand what is at stake, you must be clear about your education goals. You can start by asking them about their dreams and sharing yours. They will feel more connected to the process if they know why you are doing this. Then, when it’s time to ask for their support, they are more likely to give it freely because they have been involved in the process from the beginning.
It may also help if you make sure that everyone in your family is on board with this plan before telling others outside of the household (such as teachers or advisers) about it. This way, everyone has a chance to talk over their feelings before making any decisions together as a family.
Seek Help Along the Way
When pregnant, getting help from your family and friends is essential. It is a time when they can provide emotional support while you are going through the physical changes of pregnancy. The same thing applies when you have a baby who will need their support network to get them through their first years of life.
The best way to ensure that everything runs smoothly for everyone involved is by seeking help from others and yourself. Your school or college may be able to offer assistance with child care or studying if needed. Otherwise, many online organizations provide programs for mothers looking to further their education, the only real issue being cost. The average college cost for US students is $35,551 per student annually, including books and supplies, among others.
If finances aren’t an issue for you, then finding new ways in which academics can fit into your schedule shouldn’t be either. It might seem daunting initially, but with some hard work and effort on both sides, it will eventually work out.
For example, you can sign up for an online course with Liberty University. There are over ver 450 online programs offered by the university. What makes it even better is that there are online resources like Liberty University’s note bank, where you can find professors’ notes, projects, assignments, lecture notes, and more. Resources like note banks are available for most esteemed universities.
Whether you are seeking a new job or want to advance in your current career, certifications can help you stand out from the crowd. Some certifications require significant time and money, but they can pay off in the long run by opening up new opportunities and increasing your earning potential. For example, if you are interested in a career in finance, you might consider taking the Series 7 exam. To prepare for this challenging exam, you can find practice questions and other resources online, such as the Series 7 practice exam practice questions by CareerEmployer.com. With the right resources and a dedicated approach, you can achieve your academic and professional goals and reach new heights of success.
Managing Classwork with Household Chores and Responsibilities
Once you decide that continuing your education is the right choice for yourself and your family, it’s time to get down to business. As a parent, you may find that balancing schoolwork with household chores can be pretty challenging. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the tasks that need attention at home when there are piles of laundry waiting for you or dirty dishes in the sink. According to the latest research, students with children had 4.3 hours less time per week in college compared to their childless peers.
However, there are some things a mother can do both before and during school to ensure she stays on top of her classwork responsibilities without falling behind on her other work responsibilities. One of these things is setting aside time each day (even if it’s only 15 minutes) to tackle homework assignments so they don’t pile up while leaving less time for everything else in life, like taking care of kids.
Avoid Online Scams and Stay Focused on Your Needs and Goals
If you’re going to be a mother, it’s essential to avoid getting caught up in internet distractions. Too many scams are designed to take advantage of unsuspecting women who want some time to themselves. The best way to protect yourself from online scams is by staying focused on your needs and goals.
When looking for an online school, make sure they offer an easy-to-use interface with clear information about the courses available and when their start/end times are. Don’t get distracted by flashy websites or sales pitches. Keep your eye on the prize, your education, and your family.
Accept Help from Others
As a new mother, it is important to accept help from others. Your family and friends want to be there for you and help out in any way possible. Make sure that you keep them informed on what is going on with your life since becoming a parent so that they can help you when needed.
It would help if you also asked for help whenever it’s needed and accepted offers of assistance graciously and without hesitation. Do not be afraid to ask for help if necessary, or even offer your support if someone else asks first.
Conclusion
If you are a mother with children and have decided to continue your education, there are many things that you can do. The most important thing is to take time and ensure that your children know what is at stake. Seek help from others when needed, and avoid scams when searching for the assistance online. You might have some extra responsibilities at home while working on schoolwork or other projects, but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to succeed.
