Key Takeaways
- Balancing working and studying as a parent may be difficult, but it is possible with the right mindset, flexible strategies, and practical time management tips.
- Don’t be afraid to lean on your support network and say no to tasks that don’t support your goals.
- Be kind to yourself. Each little step you take is still a step in the right direction.
Can a Working Parent Really Go Back to School? Here’s the Truth
Being a parent to a toddler is already a full-time job. Add working and studying to the mix, and it can feel like you’re juggling a hundred tasks at once. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed—or even wonder if it’s all possible. But with a little kindness towards yourself and some practical strategies, it is possible to balance these demands—and even find some joy in the process! Here’s how to balance the demands of working and studying as a parent without burning out.
1. Build a Routine
When you’re balancing work, studies, and motherhood, it can feel like you need hours of uninterrupted focus to get anything done. In reality, the key is to find those small, consistent pockets of time, like during morning cartoons or when your toddler naps.
Don’t set unrealistic expectations! Instead, try breaking your tasks into bite-sized chunks. Aiming for 20-minute study sessions throughout the day can be more effective (and less stressful) than committing to hours at a time. If things don’t go as planned, that’s okay—just adjust and keep moving forward.
2. Choose Flexible Learning You Can Control
Forget rigid class schedules. What you need is learning that bends around your life. Self-paced online courses let you log in whenever works best for you, whether it’s your child’s nap time, after work, or even during a quiet moment before bed.
If you’re looking for flexible study options for working moms, consider online courses offered by institutions like PSB Academy. With the flexibility to study from the comfort of your home, you can build new skills and knowledge at your own pace.
3. Let People Know What You’re Working Toward
It can be difficult to juggle working and studying as a busy parent entirely on your own. It’s important to share what you’re working on with the people closest to you, whether it’s your spouse, parents, boss, or your best friend. Let them know why it matters to you.
A strong support system can be the difference between feeling alone and feeling encouraged. Maybe your partner can handle bedtime routines, or a friend can help with playdates to give you some extra time. You can even lean on local parent support groups for advice and camaraderie. When people understand your goals, they’re more likely to cheer you on and step in to help when you need it most.
4. Stop Saying Yes to Everything
Here’s a gentle reminder: you don’t have to do it all. When you’re balancing working and studying as a parent, your time and energy are precious resources. That means it’s okay (sometimes even necessary) to say no to things that don’t support your goals, like extra volunteer commitments or endless Zoom meetups.
It can feel uncomfortable at first, but remember that every “no” to a distraction is a “yes” to your personal growth and wellbeing. Protect your time—it’s the space you need to make this journey truly yours.
5. Show Yourself the Same Grace You Give Your Child
Some days, the puzzle pieces won’t fit. Your toddler will need extra cuddles, work will get hectic, and your studies might take a back seat. On such days, treat yourself with the same care and understanding you extend to your child. Celebrate small wins, like finishing a short module while your toddler colours nearby, instead of beating yourself up for not doing enough.
Making Space for Your Growth
While working and studying as a parent, remember: It’s not about getting everything perfect—it’s about finding what works for you and taking one step at a time. Your days will look different from anyone else’s, and it’s important to make peace with that. Every bit of progress adds up, and you’re likely doing more than you realise!
At PSB Academy, our online certificate, diploma, and degree programmes span across 10 disciplines—including Business, IT, Engineering, Sports Science, and Analytics.
With no fixed class schedules or written exams—only quiz-based assessments—you can learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace and on your own terms, without putting your family life on hold.
Contact us to learn more.
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