Parents returning to education
There’s nothing wrong with this at all; indeed it’s only right and natural that your baby should take precedence over everything else.
While many women decide – or need – to return to work, others choose not to go back to their previous employment. This is entirely a personal decision and what is right for one mother won’t be right for another.
If you have made the decision not to return to work, there may come a time, when your baby is a bit older, that you start thinking about taking a course to improve your skill set. Perhaps the job you had before isn’t compatible with family life, as the hours are long and will take you away from your little one. Maybe you were already at college or university when you became pregnant and are now keen to return. Or perhaps you just found your previous job unfulfilling. Whatever the case, there are many options available to you, some of which we’ve outlined below. Here are several courses which fit in well with family life:
*Ever thought about a career in publishing? Why not take a distance-learning publishing course in proof-reading and/or editing? Courses usually consist of a number of exercises and a test, which you will then send to your tutor for assessment.
*Have you always wanted to go to university but never got the chance? Or perhaps you already have a degree but would like to add another string to your bow? Colleges and universities offer a whole range of courses; you could choose anything from teaching to midwifery.
*If you think you’d love to work with children, why not take a course in childcare or as a nursery or teaching assistant? Many of these careers will include a part-time option, which may suit you better as you will not have to spend such long periods away from your child. You will also have the same holidays as your child, which is a bonus.
*Similarly, if you’ve already got a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and are now keen to study for an MA (Master of Arts), there is usually the option of either undertaking an intensive one-year course, or spreading it out over two years or more. This means that you can fit your education in with family life.
*You could also take an evening class, which you could attend once your partner has returned. You could learn a new language or take acting classes, for instance. Returning to education, in whatever form it takes, doesn't have to have the sole purpose of landing a job, but can also be about having 'me' time, where you rediscover your identity and see yourself as something other than 'mummy.'
*If you don't want to return to work full-time, another possibility is finding a job where you can be your own boss: there are many skills you could learn which could help you set up your own business, such as flower arranging, picture-framing or making your own jewellery.
*The better your computer skills, the more employable you will be. A knowledge of certain programs such as Word or Excel, for example, will stand you in good stead for temping work such as data entry. Even if you're not planning on return to work, knowing your way around a computer will make your life easier!
*You could train to be a fitness instructor, or to teach yoga or pilates. Once you've qualified, you could opt to teach evening classes so that you can still tuck the kids into bed at night.
*Ever fancied trying your hand at cooking? Why not take a cookery course; this is a great way to get into the catering industry, or you could start your own business making and selling cakes, for example.
What are the benefits of returning to education?
There are many ways in which you could benefit from returning to education; not only could it open the door to a new job, but it will also improve your self-esteem, give you the opportunity to socialise with others and enable you to learn new skills which will help in all aspects of your life.
How do I get the balance right?
So you’ve made the exciting decision to return to education, but you may be worried that you won’t have enough time to spend with your child. How on earth will you find the time to study when you already have your hands full? Well, the great thing about the courses listed above is that they can fit in with your lifestyle; you will need peace and quiet to concentrate but you can do an hour or two each night after the kids are in bed, while they’re napping or at nursery. If you have an older child, you can also have a communal homework time, where you both study.
You will also have to be more organised than perhaps you have been in the past; write yourself a studying timetable and stick it on the fridge. It’s also important that you don’t beat yourself up if there are certain areas of your life which now have to take a backseat; you’re not superwoman and it’s not the end of the world if the house isn’t dusted for a day or two.
What about childcare?
If you have to go out to study – if your course isn’t online or part of a distance learning programme – then you will have to consider childcare. Some mums will have close friends or family members that can help out, but if this isn’t the case then your child will either need to attend nursery or be looked after by a childminder or nanny.
If you decide to put your child into nursery, the following tips might help when you’re trying to choose one that’s right for you.
Look for one that has:
• a good reputation (word-of-mouth, Ofsted registration and inspection reports)
• Established ground rules and policies
• A stimulating and structured environment
• Curriculum guidance being followed
• Qualified, caring staff
• Clean, safe facilities
• Current registration certificate
• Key worker system in place.
There are also several other factors that you might want to take into account when you’re making your decision, such as the staff-to-children ratio, how the staff deal with naughty behaviour and whether the play area is safe. For more advice on this topic, read our feature on Finding a good nursery.
If you decide to leave your child with a childminder while you're studying, perhaps because it's a cheaper option or because you would like your child to be cared for in a home environment, then you will also need to carry out some careful research to find a suitable candidate.
Childminders are usually registered under the Children Act and inspected by Ofsted, have done a short, pre-registration course with a first aid course and undergone police and health checks, which are not only carried out on the childminder, but also on those over 16 who are living with them. You must make sure you see her certificate of registration and check that it is up to date. You can obtain a list of registered childminders in your area through your social services department. For more information on how to choose a childminder, read our feature on Childminders: what to expect.
It's also worth bearing in mind that some colleges and universities will have creche facilities, so when you're making your choice about where to study you might want to factor this into the equation.
Will I be entitled to any benefits?
When making your decision to return to education, you may also be worried about the financial implications. You may be entitled to some benefits, however, which could help reduce the costs a bit, such as an Adult Learning Grant, which is sometimes available to adults learning full-time. To learn about the other benefits you may be eligible for, read our feature on Financial help for parents.
Remember that you can talk to other mums about returning to education in the Lifestyle area of our chat forum, or you can create your own group. Good luck in all your endeavours!
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The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 09/03/2009