Written by Emily Graham

For stay-at-home parents looking to return to education and launch their own business, the road ahead can seem daunting. It’s important to have a plan in place that takes into account all of the necessary steps to succeed in all accounts. Today, The Family Life Project shares a list of strategies that will make this transition easier.

Choose Your Path

The first step is deciding on what field you would like to pursue. Think about your passions and interests, as well as the skills you already possess. Consider the job market and if any fields are growing rapidly or may need your particular skill set. Research different degree programs and find out what they entail before making any decisions.

Consider an Online Degree

Getting an online degree can be a key to success as it gets you on the right path. With this type of education, you can work at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. You can also explore a variety of different course offerings that may be more flexible than traditional college courses, whether you want to become a teacher or an entrepreneur. An online degree allows you to get the education you need while still managing your day-to-day responsibilities.

Research Scholarship Options

It’s important to research and look for potential scholarships that could cover tuition costs. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically designed for working or stay-at-home parents who are looking to further their education. Keep an open mind, as many scholarships have limited applicant pools or require applicants to meet specific criteria.

Plan Reliable Child Care

If you have children, it’s important to arrange for child care while you are attending classes or studying at home. This could involve hiring a babysitter, enrolling them in daycare, or finding other family members who can watch them while you focus on schoolwork. It’s also important to establish routines with your children, so they know when it’s time for you to focus on homework and when it’s time for playtime.

Set Expectations for Your Kids

Talking openly and honestly with your kids about what you plan on doing will help them prepare and adjust to changes better. Explain why you have decided to attend school and explain that your education is important for yourself and for your family. Consider involving your kids in some kind of activity related to your school, if possible, so they could feel engaged and more included in the process.

Research Entrepreneurship

Launching a business requires careful planning, research into potential markets, and establishing relationships with suppliers, vendors, customers, etc. Understanding the legal requirements associated with launching such an endeavor is even more important. Taking courses related to entrepreneurship before launching your business could help provide insight into what it takes, plus provide you with valuable connections within the industry, which could prove beneficial once you do launch your business venture.

Prioritize Your Well-Being

As you transition from stay-at-home parent to entrepreneur and student, it is important to prioritize self-care. Establishing a self-care plan will ensure that you are taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is important to set realistic goals, prioritize well-being, be mindful of your mental health, practice self-awareness, and create an environment that supports self-care to make the transition as smooth and beneficial as possible.

With the right combination of research, planning, and support, stay-at-home parents can successfully study and launch their businesses with minimal disruption to their family life. Having a plan in place along with strategies that take into account all aspects of life is a key to success.

The Family Life Project is here to help and support families in Wilmington, Delaware. If you have any questions, please contact info@familylifeproject.us.

This article was reprinted with permission. Visit the author’s website for more articles and free email subscription at http://mightymoms.net/ or email at emilygraham@mightymoms.net