Single Parent Going to School? It Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

It’s back to school season, and not just for the kids! The struggles of a single parent trying to put his or herself through school are huge. There’s just never enough time in the day ”“ you have to manage the kids, your work, your car payments, house payments, all of the bills, the divorce process if you are recently separated ”“ we’ll stop there, you’re overwhelmed enough already!
Fortunately, you are not the first to go through this. Here is some advice from men and women who have gone through your struggles in the past and came out on top:

  • Do it on your time. So you work nine to five and the babysitter can’t stay any longer. You can plan around this! Many schools offer robust night school and online options for the busy student.
  • Find out as much as you can about financial aid, scholarships and grants ”“ they aren’t just for teenagers! Having aid can help keep food on the table, gas in the car and debt collectors off your phone line.
  • Build a strong support network. You could absolutely handle this alone, but why on Earth would you want to? Your friends, family and even school could help you with transportation, childcare and anything else you will need to help you pursue your degree.
  • Do your schoolwork together with your children! Not only will it allow you some more time with them, but setting a positive example and interacting with them will also help them in their own academic life.
  • Take time for yourself. If all you have is stress, your stress is only going to radiate out onto your loved ones and detract from your work.

Divorce Matters ”“ Denver Family Law Attorneys

Divorce Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms

Stay-at-home moms may feel particularly vulnerable after a divorce rears its head, especially when it comes to financial decisions. Without a steady income, it can be incredibly stressful to think of the impending future following divorce.

There are several methods you can utilize that can help buffer your bank account. Being a single mom is expensive, but you could seek child support and alimony (spousal support or maintenance) to keep you afloat while you readjust your life through going to school school or searching for a job. It will be a difficult road, but you must find a way to become self-sufficient, and these financial boosts will help relieve stress while you make your way toward the new way of life.

You might fear that your time as a stay-at-home mom may have left you without any marketable skills, but actually, there are many skills that moms can transfer into the job marketplace! Mothers can be excellent organizers, time management specialists and negotiators, not to mention great listeners, communicators and multi-taskers. Mothers are by definition teachers and motivators ”“ don’t think that staying at home has left you unskilled!

If you are having trouble finding a job quickly, there are several freelance and virtual opportunities that can supplement your income while you seek fulltime employment. If you wish to earn a degree but don’t have time to spend away from the kids, you can pursue online courses in your desired field.

Moms are strong ”“ so don’t give up! If you have any questions about women’s issues during divorce, check out our page on the subject or contact a family law attorney.

Divorce Matters ”“ Denver Family Law Attorneys