Being a mum is a tough job. It’s even tougher when you’re trying to balance study with motherhood. You are probably thinking of upskilling but short on time.
I’m happy to say that you can do both! With careful planning and flexibility, you can balance your parental obligations with study success.
Balancing study and motherhood is a challenge, but it’s possible. By following these tips, you can make it work and achieve your goals.
Ensure you have enough study snacks:
Prepare healthy snacks for yourself and your kids, hunger can make anyone cranky, young or old. A full stomach allows you to study uninterrupted. Don’t forget to keep some fruit, biscuits, dips, muesli bars, or yogurt nearby for your own snacking while you study.
Set a realistic goal:
Don’t try to do everything at once. Start small and build your way up. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
Find a study partner:
Studying with a friend can help you learn new material more effectively by discussing it and explaining it to each other. You can also help each other out when you’re stuck on a problem.
Study with the kids:
Set aside time to study with your kids. This can be a great way to get your own work done while also helping your kids with their homework. Your children may find it a novel and productive way to spend time together. Studying with older kids can also be a great opportunity to set a good example and teach them discipline and curiosity.
Take advantage of online courses:
You can enrol for our Healthcare Assistant, Mental Health and Addiction, or Early Childcare courses. These resources can be a great way to learn new material or brush up on your skills.
Take breaks:
It’s important to take breaks when you’re studying, especially if you have young children. Revisit it later with a clear mind.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, professors, classmates, or family and friends. They can encourage you to stay motivated.
Balancing study and motherhood is a challenge, but it’s possible. By following these tips, you can make it work and achieve your goals.
Here are a few other suggestions that you may want to consider:
Use your time wisely:
When you have a few minutes, take advantage of them to study. This could mean reading a chapter in your textbook while your child is napping or taking a few minutes to work on an assignment while your child is playing.
Be flexible:
Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible with your study schedule. If your child is sick or you have an unexpected appointment, don’t beat yourself up if you have to miss a study session. Step away from it for a while and come back to it with a clear mind.
Reward yourself:
Reward yourself with something special when you reach a major milestone. This will keep you motivated and on track to achieve your goals.
Balancing family life with your education
Studying is like saving for your future, but it can be tough with parenting duties. Plan well, stay flexible, talk with your family, and seek help when needed.
CLI (Career Learning International) College offers accredited online courses. If you’re a parent considering going back to school to improve your career prospects, contact us or learn more on our website.