Balance Between Education and Work: A Guide for Mothers Preeti Baid February 27, 2023 Education, Parenting 224 Going back to college as a mother can be a difficult decision. It’s challenging to earn a degree while taking care of children. The main problem is finding a balance. You may feel you just don’t have enough time in the day to handle all your tasks and still spend time with your children. Here are some ways to help you find the balance. Do an online degree Many universities and colleges offer online degrees. This makes it possible for you to study from home at a time that’s convenient for you. Here are five top colleges that offer online degrees, along with a brief explanation of what makes each one a great choice for students seeking distance education: University of Florida : The University of Florida offers a wide range of online degree programs across a variety of disciplines. The university is known for its strong academic reputation and commitment to providing quality online education at an affordable price. Pennsylvania State University World Campus : Penn State’s World Campus is a leader in online education, offering more than 150 degree and certificate programs online. Students benefit from the same rigorous academics and faculty expertise as on-campus students, with the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere in the world. Arizona State University : Arizona State University’s online degree programs are designed to provide students with a high-quality, engaging education that is accessible from anywhere. The university is known for its innovative approach to online education, including personalized learning experiences and adaptive technology. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign : The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a range of online degree programs in fields such as engineering, business, education, and more. Students benefit from the same world-class faculty and academic resources as on-campus students, with the added flexibility of online learning. Oregon State University Ecampus : Oregon State University’s Ecampus offers more than 80 online degree programs across a variety of fields, including agriculture, business, education, and more. Students benefit from an engaging and interactive online learning environment, with access to top-notch faculty and resources. You can do your coursework and assignments after your children have gone to bed or on weekends if this is easier for you. You may find the early morning hours before everyone else gets up are your most productive study hours. You don’t have to worry about missing classes or waste time commuting. A commitment to coursework is obviously still important, but you can be more efficient with your time. Make a schedule Setting a daily and weekly schedule will help you to stay on track. It allows you to schedule an uninterrupted time for coursework, time for your children and relaxation time for yourself. Putting priority tasks first on your to-do list for the day and completing them can help to reduce your stress. As you cross items off your daily list, it will give you a feeling of accomplishment and more motivation to keep going. Whether you’re enrolled in a nursing master’s degree part-time or doing a full-time MBA, your schedule should have some flexibility. You never know what unexpected situations can come up. Get help writing a dissertation Getting your PhD and looking after your children can be a real challenge. You may not know how to write an essay and still cope with all your other responsibilities. You can get online help from professional writers who will write the best quality paper for you. Students can browse a database of expert writers at EduBirdie. If you need PhD dissertation help, you can choose a writer that’s a good fit for your project. There are plenty of choices as there are many PhD writers available. Set attainable goals You aren’t a superwoman, and you shouldn’t stretch yourself too thin. Creating small, attainable goals will help you to feel more in control. Don’t accept an invitation to be on the school fundraising committee, as it’s likely to be too big a commitment. You could possibly consider volunteering for an hour to sell cakes at a school bake sale. An attainable study goal would be to read a certain amount of the recommended material every day so you can finish by the end of the week. Develop a strong support system It can be scary to think about furthering your education if you don’t have a strong support system. The support of family, friends, faculty and other students can make a big difference in your experience. Family and friends can pitch in and help with the children when you have to study. They may volunteer to make meals for you when you’re under pressure. Training your children to handle certain tasks can help you and make them more responsible. Interacting with faculty and other students can provide the support you need academically. One of the best ways to learn is to explain concepts they don’t understand to others. You can also receive help from other students in areas where you have difficulties. You have others to support you when you’re struggling, and you can celebrate your victories together. Designate a specific workspace If you try to work at the kitchen table while your children are playing nearby, it can be a recipe for disaster. You need a quiet place in your home where you can study and keep all your study materials. Your family will understand that they shouldn’t interrupt you when you are in this space. Take breaks Don’t feel guilty for taking breaks while studying. It helps you to relax and unwind so you can be more focused when you return to your books. You can use this time to do a fun activity with your children, such as baking some cookies or playing a quick game of hide-and-seek. Conclusion The responsibility of being a mother and going to college is not easy. There will inevitably be days when you feel you can’t cope. You will need perseverance and discipline to continue, but it will be worthwhile. You will improve your qualifications and can pursue a good job with higher pay that will give your family a better life. SHARE THIS POST