Balancing parenthood and academic studies can be among the most difficult challenges of a parent’s life. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, education can allow you to expand the opportunities for yourself and your child at the expense of valuable time with your children. If pursuing a degree, certification, or program is a priority for you, knowing how to balance your life the right way is tremendously beneficial. Here are four tips to help guide your way.
1. Consider a Sitter or Daycare
A sitter or daycare can be one of the best ways to keep your child in a healthy environment while you tend to work or academic obligations. Outside of family, a qualified babysitter that you trust can pave the way for short-term opportunity. Still, parting with your child, even for a small while, can be nerve racking. Make sure to do thorough research before deciding on an option. There are affordable options that will deliver a safe and nurturing environment for your child.
2. Look into Financial Aid Options
If you qualify for financial aid, you could take a portion of the financial burden off of your hands. Parents who desire to attend school but don’t think they can afford it should look into help. Typically, schools will have representatives that can set up a funding plan that matches your situation. This can include a combination of federal student aid, loan programs, state funding and scholarships. Check all of your options with your select school before proceeding.
3. Schedule Classes Strategically
Most schools have somewhat flexible scheduling, but priority systems and small classes with fixed options can get in the way. You need to find a school that can give you flexible hours across the board so you can stay true to your outside commitments. If you plan to spend time with your child in the evening, your school selection should allow you to schedule morning classes exclusively.
4. Consider Vocational Training at a Career College
Career colleges, in addition to being considerably more affordable than 4-year institutions, take far less time to complete. In fact, a healthcare program at a career college can often take less than a year. This makes the short-term time much less burdensome and puts you on track to start a career in healthcare. Not only will you gain a new skillset, but you’ll be released more quickly from the time constraints of regular coursework.
Always Seek Additional Resources Where Possible
When you choose a school, seek out alternative support options beyond financial aid. Some vocational training schools have career placement services that can help you land a job faster upon graduation. There might be support groups and counseling, particularly those for parents, that can help give you more nuanced advice about attending school while handling the responsibility of kids.
