Why More Moms Are Going Back to College
- Your decision to go back to school will positively impact your children
- Children from low-income households are more likely to have low test scores, poorer health, and lower behavior ratings
- Moms are especially influential in their building their kids' reading skills
Research Links Parents' College Education with Positive Outcomes for Kids
Q. What is the connection between education and income? I've heard that non-college graduates are more likely to earn a low income, despite full-time employment. Is that true?
A. Yes, unfortunately, it's very true. Studies and surveys consistently reveal the same findings. According to Columbia University's National Center for Children in Poverty, only 15% of parents who didn't finish high school — that's just over 1 in 10 of the people in this category — are managing to raise their children above the low-income status.
Q. Is it enough to take 1 or 2 college classes? Will that help to improve my employment options?
A. Having some college is good. But you'll be better off if you can finish your degree. The same NCCP survey found that 40% of low-income children have parents who've completed at least some college. That means, in nearly half of all cases, "some college" still isn't enough.
Q: I don't have a degree. But I'm willing to work full-time. Isn't that enough to overcome low income status?
A. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to improve your earning capacity without a college degree. When you have children, it's even harder to boost your income. More than half of all the children in the low-income population are being raised in a home where at least one parent works a full-time job. So full-time employment isn't always enough, either.
Q: Why should I try to earn more money? I grew up poor myself. What difference does it make if my child is raised in a low-income household?
A: Even though money can't be a substitute for love, instilled values, or parental involvement, economic status is proven to be a major factor in how children develop. For example, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) published a report in June 2009 entitled, Disparities in Early Learning and Development: Lessons from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Birth Cohort (ECLS-B).
Among its findings, this report shows that children from low-income families have lower cognitive assessment scores, poorer health, and lower behavior ratings. In short, low-income children start their lives at a clear disadvantage.
Q: My child's father is not an active part of our lives. As a mother, what impact does my education have on my child?
A: The CCSSO report found dramatic differences between the cognitive assessment scores of 2 groups of children. The first group was raised by mothers who had not completed high school. The second group was raised by mothers who had completed high school and some college. Even at just 2 years old, the second group of children (those with college-educated moms) showed a far greater capacity for learning.
Q: I'm just starting my college degree. What are some activities that I can do now, while I'm taking classes, to improve my child's development?
A: Read to your kids — even if they're too young to understand the words. According to findings published in The Forum on Child and Family Statistics, reading to young children is one of the best ways to develop a capacity for literacy. In 2007, 74% of college graduate mothers read to their children every day. Conversely, only 31% of moms with less than a high school diploma read to their children every day. Reading to kids also promotes an emulatory response. In other words, kids subconsciously mimic their parents' behaviors. Even at very young ages, your kids will observe your reading habits and become more likely to follow the example.
Involved in the development and administration of online courses and programs since the early 1990s, Dr. Susan Smith Nash's current interests have to do with using innovative approaches to help students succeed, and helping organizations develop thriving, dynamic programs. Her latest book, Excellence in College Teaching and Learning was co-authored by George Henderson and deals with online teaching and learning.
Elizabeth O'Neill holds an MFA in Creative Writing. She is a contributing writer at eLearners.com, EarnMyDegree.com, and GradSchools.com.
Comments for Why More Moms Are Going Back to College:
1 comment(s)
sheena On Tuesday, January 04 2011
i need some help in finding an online college that i can afford and is legit?