There are no two ways about it: being a mother is a full-time job in itself. Your patience will be tested, you’ll become a master of multitasking, and you’ll learn how to survive on little to no sleep. And if you’re pursuing an online diploma, life can very quickly become an all-consuming, exhausting affair. But it doesn’t have to be. A little preparation goes a long way (meal prepping, anyone?), and can help you to conquer your parental duties and career goals – without sacrificing your sanity.
Here are our online learning tips for successfully navigating motherhood:
We’ve all heard the saying ‘No is a full sentence’, and when it comes to studying online and being a parent, this statement couldn’t be more apt. Let your friends, family and acquaintances know that as you will stay at home promoting your education- - yes, mom is studying, you will not be as available as you could be in the past. Decide what you are able to do and then (politely) reject the rest.
Self-care is non-negotiable. It’s also the first thing to go when you’re pulled in a thousand directions at once. Make sure you don’t burnout and jeopardise your studying by scheduling regular me-time: time reserved solely for you. Whether this is a solo walk around the neighbourhood or coffee at your local cafe, diarise time slots and treat them as you would any other commitment.
Before embarking on your studies, set up a network of friends and family who can step in when the going gets tough. Whether they offer you emotional support or take over the school run, make use of the people around you to make your time spent pursuing an online diploma that little bit easier.
Studying an online diploma is that much easier when you’ve got the support and guidance of a wellness coach at your disposal. MCI offers all students free and confidential access to our wellbeing service, where our trained coaches can offer you advice and resources to help you better cope with the demands of studying online.
MCI is proud to offer online classes for moms and access to our expertly trained and experienced career coaches and wellness mentors to help you to navigate familial, personal and studying challenges. Learn more about how studying online can enhance your personal and professional growth by downloading our free ebook.