Mom (or Dad) Goes Back to School: What Now?

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With the Fall semester quickly approaching, this is a topic I would like to bring to light. When we talk about college, it’s rare that we think of young children or possibly older children being thrown into the mix. People, like my husband and myself, go back to school when they have a child/children. Easy or not, it happens all the time.

Here are a few tips to get through the next few semesters/years. 

1) Breathe!

Take your time & really breathe. I would find my husband or myself seriously stressed out while trying to get all the studying, reading, papers, discussions, etc. finished on time. Sometimes getting the stroller out and walking to the local coffee shop or raspa stand would help clear my mind… and a little sweet snack didn’t hurt either.

2) Use what help you have around you.

I was really blessed to have family and friends willing to step in and help me with watching Azariah while I studied. Every now and then, my husband and I were even able to sneak in a date. This leads to my next point…

3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Maybe you’re not as fortunate as we were to have family around. Consider asking a friend for help. You’ll never know if you don’t at least ask.

4) If you’re also working, talk to your boss.

Let the lines of communication be open. You may be surprised at how much your boss can and will help. 

5) Last but not least: Don’t listen to the negativity.

Whether you’re going back to school to get a GED or a Ph.D., don’t let anyone bring you down. Remember, you are doing this to put yourself and your family in a better position for the future. Education is so important, not only to adults, but to the little eyes that are watching you. 

*Bonus Tip*

Always support one another. Remember why you started this journey. It’s ok to cry, be upset, feel out of touch with school. Support your partner and the benefits will outweigh any negatives or insecurities.


education 

I look back at how far my husband and I have come and I’m mind-blown. We both messed up along the way, stopped going to school, and then went back to finish. From getting our Associates Degrees from STC to getting our Master’s Degrees, we’ve shared our doubts, failures, and accomplishments together as husband and wife. Most importantly, as Mother and Father.

Our son will probably never remember watching my husband crossing the stage at TWU. He might remember watching me walk across the stage at OU…. only because that was more recent, haha! But our dedication to higher education will always impact his life. 

 

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