With PTA meetings, sports practice, work, scouts, and raising a family, you would think that your time to continue your education has passed, not at all. We live in the age of computers. The world has opened up and with that so has educational opportunities.

There are several online schools that not only would love to have you but will find ways to finance your education. How do I know? I just went back to school after being away from college for 30 years. Yes, things have changed, yes it takes planning and coordinating, but it is possible without putting undue stress on you or your family.
Different online schools operate differently. I have talked to four other people who all go to different online schools. Two of them, including myself are completing a bachelor’s degree, one is working towards her masters, and another is working towards her associates. The work load seems to vary with the degree you are seeking, just as in brick and mortar schools. However, how you are taught seems, for the most part, to remain the same. There will be a lot of reading, a project or paper a week, and a team learning situation. Also, you will have forums that you are required to visit and post a substantial comment, four times a week.

Although my sons are older and I don’t have to watch over them every second and the days of running them to events are over, I have been in class with other moms who still have little ones and demand their attention. And yes, there are those moms who have to hurry to post something on their educational forum in a rush so that they can get to soccer practice in time. Let me tell you a few of their secrets as well a few of my own ideas that can make your life a little easier while trying to go back to school.
If your child is an infant, while the little one is down for a nap, hop on to the computer and do your school work. This will give you the peace and quiet that you need to devote to thoughts on the subject matter. I would recommend this time to do your reading. It might be easier to run to your computer one other time during the day, read the forum questions and comments, flag the ones that you need to respond to and hop off until you have the time during the day to respond.

If your child is a toddler and still is in the phase of sticking to Mommy like glue, make this an educational activity time with your son. Have him come in to the room where the computer is, give him the big wooden chunky puzzles that he can put together himself, a coloring book, Etch-A-Sketch, or an array of wonderful Crayola products that do not make a mess, yet will keep a child occupied for hours. If he wants to ask you a question, fine, you can stop and start whenever you want to. If it is time for a break, bring in a plate of cheese and crackers, or peanut butter and jelly squares, you can munch while you work. He will be thrilled to think he is doing his homework with Mommy. There are also great web sites that have many coloring pages, word puzzles and games that can be printed out for him to use. These links are below.
If your son is older and in elementary school, make your time on the computer his time for homework. You can set up a little homework station in the same room with the computer, or if you have a laptop, go where he is comfortable doing his work. This is an ideal situation for helping him when he needs help with homework at the same time making sure he gets it done.

When your son gets in to Jr. High or High School, this might be the right time to purchase a notebook or day planner and a crock pot! Your time is increasingly valuable now. More and more of it will be spent out of the house escorting or taxiing the neighborhood or team around to various events. If you have a laptop, fine, this might buy you a little time for school. If you do not, your son will have homework, so again, do it with him or at the same time he does. If you are a stay at home Mom, then a crock pot is going to be your best friend. There are recipes and cookbooks online just for crock pot cooking. If you are a working mother, then I suggest books that are for 30 Minute Meals, so that you will have a great dinner, and still be able to have time for your school and your family.
Take a chance. Add to your education whether it is just for you or for your employment future. Your family will be proud of you and surely will be your support base while you are achieving this goal.

30 Minute Meals with Rachael Ray:
http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/30-minute-meals/
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1304100,00.html
Crock Pot Cooking:
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/dinner/planning/dinnerplanning_slowcooker.htm
http://southernfood.about.com/library/crock/blcpidx.htm
http://www.tastycrockpotrecipes.net/

Children’s Coloring Pages and Educational Fun Things to do:
http://www.coloring.ws/coloring.html
http://www.coloringbookfun.com/
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/fun_activities/coloring_pages/