There are countless reasons that we choose to go back to school. Some do it because they need a change, and others just want to further their education. Whatever you choose as your reason, you should always weigh the pros and cons before you make your decision, especially if you have children.
I
am a 40-year-old single mother of 4 children who range in age from 5 to 17 years old, so I know this from experience. The choice I made to go back to school affects my children in good and bad ways.
There are several good effects:
> Showing them that if I can show up every day, then they can too.
> Doing homework between taking care of them shows them determination in getting things done.
> Getting good grades encourages them to try harder in their own studies.
Overall, the most positive effect is that it lets my children know that they can do anything as long as they try.
There are effects that can be considered negative:
> It takes my time and focus off of my children.
> I cannot do as much as I used to be able to do.
> My children have noticed that I need them to help around the house more.
> My daughter finds herself cooking dinner more often.
> My three boys find themselves having to do more chores.
But to me, a few of these could also be positives. My children are learning to have more responsibility, as well as respect for others.
Overall I feel that the pros outweigh the cons. But everyone will have different pros and cons. You should list your positives and negatives to see if returning to school is best for you, and make your decision carefully.
I think that I made a great decision not only for myself but for my children as well.
Author Bio
Annette Brannen is completing the Medical Specialties courses at Flagstaff campus of CollegeAmerica. She is a single mother of 4 who wants to better her life for herself and her children. She worked in the medical field after earning her high school certificate, but then moved to a career in retail management. After 15 years, she misses working with the patients and the helping side of customer care. She loves to spend time with her children doing lots of crafts.