Getting a degree is a challenge. So is raising children. To combine the two you will need determination, discipline and excellent organizational and time management skills. However, it is both possible and very rewarding to return to school and gain a degree as a parent of young children. The following tips should help you choose and complete your degree course and raise a happy family at the same time.

Research your options. Not all degrees are campus based. It is possible to study online or by correspondence course. You might want to use a combination of methods, perhaps studying some courses online whilst your children are very little and then using these as credit when you return to campus based education as they get a little older.

Have a clear plan. When you're a carefree teenager it really doesn't matter if you dither over a major for a couple of years or take courses that end up being irrelevant to your final career path, but as a parent your time is precious and you're going to want to use it wisely. Plan out before you start what you want from your education and future career and know exactly what courses you need to take to get you there.

Work out your finances. Being a student is expensive. Work out how you will pay for tuition, books and living expenses, including childcare. What financial aid, scholarships and bursaries are you entitled to? What hours (if any) could you realistically devote to a part-time job? Is your partner able to support you? Can another family member help out?

Find good child care. This is no more difficult for a student than it is for any working parent. In fact your hours at college may be shorter and more flexible than working a conventional job, although of course, you will have to put in plenty of study time at home. Be realistic about how much studying you will get done with the kids around and factor in some childcare (perhaps your partner or a family member) for when you really need to get that assignment finished on a weekend and the kids are driving you crazy. Just like a working parent you will need a back-up plan to cover sickness, snow days, the baby sitter having unexpected car trouble and any other emergencies that might crop up.

Get organized. This is important for any student, and any parent, but vital if you are both. Use a good agenda and/or wall planner to keep track of everything from your assignment due dates, test dates and study weeks, to your kids' doctor appointments, play dates and school field trips. I find it helps to color code this all college commitments in one color, family commitments in another. This also makes it easy to see in advance when they will clash and do something about it if possible.

Manage your time. Plan well in advance how you will achieve your study goals and take care of your family. Draw up a schedule and stick to it. Carve out time to study when the kids are in bed, at a friend's house, at a party or out with your partner. Streamline other commitments and delegate household chores. Use "free" time during the day at college effectively. Keep on top of your assignments and talk to your professor in advance if you are not going to be able to make a deadline.

Be flexible. It may take longer to get a degree when you have young kids at home. You may have to take a lighter course load than you first thought and build up credits slowly. Be prepared to adapt and compromise, but don't give up. It will be worth in the end and your kids will be proud of you on graduation day.

Learn more about this author, Karen Banes.
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