We’re really impressed when we hear about single parents returning to school on top of everything else, they’re doing! Getting an education isn’t just important for you, it’s crucial for your kids, too. It was not easy, but this is the goal of many single parents. We often hear from single parents in school who are:
- Working full-time and going to school during the day or at night
- Completing intensive internships on top of their jobs
- Returning to school as ‘older’ students to earn or finish their program.
Congratulations to all of you! We know how frantic everyday life can get: working and parenting can be overwhelming. We also know that returning to school is one of the best ways to gain new skills and move ahead. If you’re a single parent in school or consider returning to school, here are our tips for success:
Write Down Your Goals
Make your goals specific. For example, “I will have taken all my required courses by summer of 2019.” “I will do this by taking an accelerated program with internship before the end of the year.” “I will attend every optional study session offered, even if it is scheduled on Friday afternoon.” Make a contract with yourself, and sign your name. Promise yourself to move ahead with a well thought out plan.
Get Organized
Do not think you can plop your school stuff down on the kitchen table every night. Find a shelf, box, or file cabinet in which to keep your school materials. The kitchen table can certainly turn into your ‘school desk’ at night, but you need a defined, organized place to keep everything. Otherwise, valuable study time is wasted on looking for misplaced things, or items the children somehow managed to ‘borrow.’
Don’t Procrastinate
Single moms or dads in school do not have the option to procrastinate. Guaranteed, the first time you put off an important school paper, a child will get the flu, and the paper will not be done on time. The best way to manage the inevitable stresses of juggling multiple responsibilities as a single parent in school is to prioritize and NOT procrastinate. When your assignments are completed, you can enjoy guilt-free time away from the pressures of school.
Learn to Say ‘No’
When returning to school, you must learn to say no to demands that do not help you either 1) progress in your studies, or 2) personally benefit you and your children. Lots of us have trouble saying no. If this is difficult for you, keep a tangible reminder, like a picture of a vacation spot you’d like to visit. To remind you that once you complete your program you can have the opportunity for a better life with increased income, and career advancement.
Now, we’d love to know:
Are you currently working toward finishing school? Are you thinking about a new career? If so, contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.
-ALLEN SCHOOL