7 Dos and Don’ts for Stay-at-Home Parents Going Back to School
Going back to school is a great way to boost your career after life as a stay-at-home parent. More importantly, earning a degree can boost your confidence. Which can go such a long way when you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. If you’re not sure where to start with this process, check out this list of dos and don’ts from Frugal Mommas.
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Stay-at-Home Parents Going Back to School
Do Consider an Online Program
If walking around a huge campus and rushing to classes sounds stressful to you, you can always earn your degree online instead. There are plenty of online programs available from accredited universities that allow you to take courses at your own pace and schedule. The accounting program at WGU is just one option! Accounting is an in-demand field but you can also put your newly earned skills to work in other industries.
Don’t Forget to Fill Out a FAFSA
Whether you take classes online or on campus, you’ll have to pay for tuition. Now you could pay for those fees out of your own pocket, but that can be stressful if you’re trying to stick to a strict budget. Instead, start by filling out a FAFSA online to see if you qualify for financial aid. Financial aid can come in the form of loans, grants, work-study programs and even scholarships. Some you don’t have to pay back, so don’t miss out on these savings!
Do Plan Out Your Family Meals
Trying to cook dinner every night when you’re also juggling college classes is a lot! This is why you should set aside time on weekends to plan your family’s meals. To save you even more time and stress, use these sample meal plans from Frugal Mommas. They’re packed with useful tips to help you make the most of your time during the week and of your family’s grocery budget.
Don’t Rely on Processed Snacks
Now, you may also be tempted to stock the pantry and fridge with prepackaged meals and snacks. When you need energy and focus for school and home, however, this isn’t a good idea. Processed foods tend to leave you feeling sluggish and foggy. These convenient foods can also lead to more inflammation in your body. Another reason meal planning is so important.
Do Set Up a Dedicated Study Space
Studying at your kitchen table may also be convenient. Just like eating processed foods, however, this isn’t the best plan if you want to succeed in your classes. When you’re working in a common space, you’re much more likely to be distracted by kids, pets or chores. To protect your productivity, try setting up a space where you can focus without interruptions. You don’t need a ton of room either; a closet or corner will do.
Do Set Boundaries With Family
You need boundaries with every member of your household if you want to get any work done. Write out a schedule if it helps and then discuss dedicated study hours with your kids and spouse. Let them know these are “do not disturb hours.” It’s also helpful to establish some boundaries with yourself. No checking messages in bed! These boundaries will also come in handy if you end up working from home with your new job.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Balancing life as a parent and student is going to be tough no matter how you slice it. You can certainly use these frugal and practical dos and don’ts to make your life easier, but you should also practice some self-compassion. Self-compassion is so crucial for parents. Be kind to yourself and remember to celebrate your wins and move past and upsets.
Honestly, you should already be proud of yourself! Going back to school and getting back into the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent are both major steps. We know they can be stressful ones as well, so hopefully, the tips above will help!
Want to live abundantly on a budget? Check out other family-friendly tips from Frugal Mommas.
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