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By Anya Willis

Going back to school as an adult is a great way to improve your career prospects and add fulfillment to your life. But when you’re a stay-at-home mom, you can expect to face special challenges along the way. Just like trying to work from home with kids around, there will be times when it feels impossible to get your studies done, and you may even wonder if you’ll ever get that degree.

Here’s the thing: You’re a mom, and there’s not really a more challenging job than that. So of course, you can go back to school, earn a degree, and put yourself in a better position in life. Thrive33 lists some simple tips on how you can successfully return to school as a stay-at-home mom:

Choose the Right Degree

First of all, you want to make sure that you pursue a degree that is going to bring positive changes to your life in the long run. You can study almost anything these days. But know that not all degrees are created equally, and not all of them can significantly improve your career prospects.

For instance, the healthcare industry is booming now and can be expected to be in high demand for the foreseeable future. Therefore, earning an online degree in healthcare (e.g., nursing, health service coordination, healthcare management, etc.) could prove especially valuable, particularly if you have the desire to help people. Getting a degree in business or IT could also increase your chances of landing a great job down the road.

Choose the Right School

Once you figure out what degree you will pursue, start looking into schools. You want the best education possible without racking up unnecessary debt and making everyday life harder than it needs to be.

For these reasons, enrolling in an online college makes the most sense for a stay-at-home parent. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll enjoy much more flexibility and convenience, which means you can work at your own pace and spend more time with your kiddos. Most universities offer online courses across departments, and there are even schools that are solely online.

Be Consistent

With the flexibility that online school offers, it requires you to establish a solid work schedule and stick to it. Working at your own pace can quickly lead to chronic procrastination, especially when you are juggling all the responsibilities of motherhood. Find the best time(s) of day to do your schoolwork, and stay on top of it.

Set Up a Workspace

Along with developing a schedule, create a comfortable work area where you can focus and get your schoolwork done. Get a desk, an ergonomic chair, and any electronic equipment you need (e.g., computer, printer, Wi-Fi router, etc.). And don’t hesitate to make the space inspiring, whether that means painting the walls a different color, hanging your children’s artwork, displaying family photos, or anything else that motivates you to stay on task.

Get a Sitter

Finally, start arranging for a trusty sitter to watch your kids while you are studying. Ask a family member or friend. Research qualified and caring nannies in your area, or find a reputable local daycare facility. You might be able to complete certain tasks with your kids around, but there will be times when you need to really hone in on a project and/or take a moment to de-stress.

If you want to go back to school, do it. Remember to choose your degree and school wisely, and develop a schoolwork schedule that you can stick to. Finally, create a workspace at home, and find someone you can trust to watch your kids when you need to devote full attention to your studies. You’ll get that degree in no time — just watch!

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For most of her childhood Anya struggled with her weight. In school, she was bullied because of it, and it wasn’t until she took a yoga class in college that things started to change. Anya now uses her knowledge and love for yoga to help kids find physical activities to keep them happy and moving.

To learn more about Geode Yoga & Fitness, you can visit their website, email them at info@geodeyogafitness.com, or call them at 740-649-1696.

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