Maybe going back to school is an idea that’s been floating around in the back of your head for years, or maybe things have changed, and now it finally feels like the right time. Regardless of what sparked the idea, going back to school as a single mom can stir up a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, and perhaps even some fear.
Raising a child by yourself is no small feat on its own, but returning to school while doing it takes grit and perseverance. It means juggling single-parenting duties with work, finances, and education all at once. However, a new degree can open the door to new opportunities and more financial freedom down the road. It’s a big step and a personal choice. Only you know what’s best for you and your family.
If you need a little guidance on how to go back to school as a single mom, we’ve got your back. In this article, we’ll cover everything from how to manage emotions and build a support system to finding financial aid, choosing the right program, and protecting your mental health along the way.
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Honor Your Feelings But Don’t Let Them Hold You Back
Does dreaming about going back to school spark a fire in you, but also leave you with lingering feelings of fear, guilt, or self-doubt? It’s not uncommon for many single parents to have any of these thoughts:
- “Am I being selfish?”
- “Is it too late for me?”
- “Can I really pull this off on my own?”
Those feelings are completely valid and normal. Being a single mom already comes with the pressure to put everyone else in your family first, but your dreams matter, too. Going back to school doesn’t mean you’re putting yourself over your child. In fact, you’re teaching them a valuable lesson — that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Honor your feelings, but also recognize that this choice can provide long-term stability, confidence, and opportunity for you both.
Create a Plan That Works for Your Life
Once you’ve decided to go back to school, the next question becomes: How? Everyone’s schedule, support system, and energy level are a little different, so keep this in mind as you plan ahead. The key is to design a realistic plan that fits your life.
It’s not just about picking a school but about choosing a path that meshes with your responsibilities and honors your time. That might mean fewer classes per term or doing homework after bedtime. It’s hard to know what’s going to work until you try, but flexibility, honesty, and pacing are your greatest assets here.
Explore flexible options and pacing
Many schools offer flexible formats built with busy adults in mind. Consider looking into part-time programs, online degrees, night classes, or asynchronous courses that let you progress at your own pace. If full-time schooling isn’t realistic, these alternatives can reduce stress and make getting an education feel less like an uphill battle.
Online programs can be a game-changer for single parents. You can attend classes while supervising play time, listen to lectures during lunch breaks, and avoid the commute altogether.
Be realistic about your time and bandwidth
If you’re a single mom going back to school, your time is precious and likely already stretched thin. When setting goals and expectations around education, be realistic by factoring everything into account. This includes your work schedule, your child’s needs, and your own. Try to be honest with yourself about how much you can take on each semester.
Start small, even if that means only taking one class at a time at first. You don’t have to do it all at once to make meaningful progress toward your academic goals. A plan that protects your energy is one you’re more likely to stick with.
Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships
If finances are your biggest concern, you have options. Financial aid is out there specifically to support students like you. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, even if you’re not sure if you’ll qualify. From there, you can learn more about access to grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many single parents may also qualify for Federal Pell Grants, which don’t need to be repaid.
Next, consider looking into scholarships specifically designed for single parents and adult students. The Jeanette Rankin Foundation, the Live Your Dream Awards (formerly known as the Soroptimist Program), and the Patsy Mink Foundation all offer financial support to women going back to school.
Many schools also offer tuition payment plans, so be sure to ask about these before enrolling. If you’re currently employed, ask your employer if they offer tuition assistance as part of your employee benefits.
Build a Support System You Can Lean on
Going back to school as a single mom doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Building and leaning on your support network, before signing up for your first class, is one of the smartest, most sustainable steps you can take.
“The saying ‘it takes a village’ is so true when you are juggling the demands of parenthood and your education. It is crucial to seek out support in a variety of ways, practical and emotional, as you navigate this chapter of life. Being able to ask for help is a sign of strength and allows you to achieve your goals as a parent and as a student. For example, maybe there is another mom in your class and you can trade off child care or study together while your children play, which would provide both emotional support and practical help. In addition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school and ask about any resources they may have available to help support your educational journey as a parent.”
Maybe this means your sister watches the kids one night a week so you can study, or you find a classmate to swap notes with when family emergencies pop up and you have to miss a lecture. Accountability buddies can also be a great way to keep yourself on track.
Don’t overlook resources at your school or in your community either. Some campuses offer on-site child care, parenting support groups, and peer mentorship programs. The more you’re able to build a village around you, the more supported and capable you’ll feel as the workload mounts.
Quiet the Guilt, Trust the Goal
If you still can’t seem to shake the feeling of “what if I’m not doing the right thing?” start by acknowledging that that’s normal. So many single parents grapple with the guilt of worrying about missed moments, stretched schedules, or whether they’re asking too much of themselves or their children.
Next, remember that going back to school as a single mom isn’t a detour from good parenting—it’s part of it. You’re not stepping away from being a parent but rather stepping toward a brighter, more secure future for you and your children.
Your kids may not fully understand your decision, but that doesn’t mean your efforts are going unnoticed. By modeling resilience and perseverance, your kids will learn that growth, lifelong learning, and self-investment are valuable at any stage of life. As they get older, they’ll look back with greater appreciation for your drive, the sacrifices you made, and your underlying motivations.
Find Calm in the Chaos With Coping Skills
Life as a single mom and a student can feel nonstop, but there are still ways to cultivate calm moments amongst the chaos. Try quick resets like:
- Voice-note journaling while folding laundry
- Five-minute breathing exercises for anxiety before class
- Reciting a simple mantra or positive affirmation when you feel untethered
These little pauses don’t require much time or energy, but they can make a big difference in managing stress before it spirals into single-parent burnout.
Find Your Rhythm With Studying at Home
Going back to school as a single mom doesn’t require large blocks of uninterrupted time to find effective methods of studying at home. Maybe you review flashcards on your phone during your lunch break or save larger assignments for after the kids are in bed. If your kids have homework too, study time at the kitchen table can become a family affair.
Don’t worry if your routine isn’t perfect from the get-go. Start with what feels realistic and adjust as you see fit.
Know When to Reach Out for Mental Health Support
If anxiety, stress, or exhaustion starts to feel more like the rule than the exception, it’s time to check in with yourself and possibly with a professional.
Mental health support shouldn’t be thought of as a last resort but rather a proactive and empowering part of caring for yourself and your child. Therapy can help you navigate shifting responsibilities, manage burnout symptoms, and process the emotional burden of balancing school and solo parenting.
If you’re struggling with back-to-school anxiety and consistently find that you have trouble sleeping, frequent bouts of irritability, or persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, consider seeking support from a licensed professional therapist sooner rather than later.
“Seeking out the services of a licensed mental health provider offers another layer of support along with developing practical tools to help during this time. Therapy can provide a safe space to discuss your stressors, brainstorm solutions, and process all of the daily ups and downs as a parent and student.”
Find Strength and Support With Talkspace
Talkspace connects you with licensed therapists who can help you navigate the pressure of juggling school, parenting, and everything in between. With flexible online therapy options, you can get mental health support from your phone, on your schedule, and in your own space.
Whether you need help managing mom burnout, building confidence, or simply processing the big changes you’re facing, Talkspace is here to support your journey.