Why Moms Make Great Online Students
- Motherhood is long-term commitment, much like earning a degree
- Distance learning requires much of the same skills as being a mom
- Moms are responsible, dedicated, and hardworking—all traits of a successful student
Anyone can become a student, but not everyone can exceed at it the way moms can, especially online. With everything moms juggle in their work, family and personal lives, one would naturally assume they are simply too busy to handle online courses. There is no truth in the idea that working mothers cannot manage academic work as well.
Working mothers do not have any time or patience for slacking off. In fact, the skills that help moms succeed at this everyday juggling act are the same skills that help them excel as students. Below are the some of the reasons that moms make great online students.
Moms…
Excel at Organization
Moms manage their homes and maintain the family schedule. They efficiently juggle the duties of work and home—even adding on a few charity-related tasks from time to time.
For some folks, putting course work on the to-do list would prove to be just too much for their organization and time management skills, but not for moms. They are pros at organizing their time and the physical space around them. Moms find the perfect time slot to fit in study time and the perfect place to store their course materials.
Master the Skill of Problem-solving
The only thing predictable about children is the absolute unpredictability they add to life. Moms are able to respond to any situation at a moment's notice with an appropriate solution or reaction.
"I don't know" is not a typical mom response. Even if they do not initially know the answer to a problem, they work to figure one out. This applies to the everyday life issues moms encounter and can also helpful in online courses. Distance learning requires the much of the same. Many online students have to be able to problem-solve independently and research answers quickly.
See the Big Picture, Yet Pay Attention to the Details
Moms have unique vision. They are able to see the big picture, yet notice all of the small, necessary steps required to get there. This is true with everything on the home front, as well as pursuing degrees online. They can keep an eye on the prize, yet focus an all of the small hurdles to get there.
Are Used to Working Day and Night
Being a mother is a 24/7 job. Putting in long hours comes with the territory. A mom's ability to take care of responsibilities when she would rather be relaxing will help her complete her assignments and take the necessary steps towards completing her degree online.
Know that Dreams Can Come True
When a 5-year-old asks her mom if she can be a doctor when she grows up, the answer is a sincere "Yes." Moms have big dreams for their children and know that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. That's why applying those same qualities to their own dreams, like earning a degree, sets them on the road to success.
Can Multitask with Proficiency
Virtually every mom out there wishes there were more hours in a day to get everything accomplished. Since this is not possible, the next best thing is multitasking. Given all they have to manage, moms really are experienced veterans when it comes to completing many tasks at once and streamlining duties. This same ability serves moms well when tackling college courses.
Have Great Communication Skills
Have you ever tried convincing a whining 3-year-old that candy will ruin his appetite; calming an energetic 6-year-old while grocery shopping; or encouraging a teenager to get up for school? Moms do this everyday and therefore it is no surprise that they have great communication skills. Whether course discussions are held in a classroom or online forums, moms succeed in effectively communicating with others.
Take Responsibility Seriously
The fate of society's future rests in the hands of our children, and raising tomorrow's leaders is no small feat. Moms take this responsibility seriously.
Moms also understand the importance of giving their children every possible opportunity. That's why they treat their student status with great responsibility. They aren't just working towards a degree; they are working towards a brighter future for their children.
Are Quick Learners
Kids do not come with instruction manuals. Moms learn through trial and error and with the ever-changing nature of children they must learn quickly. They know how to discern the information being presented to them and process it accordingly.
The ability to learn quickly proves to be very valuable when learning course material. The sooner they "get it" the quicker they can move on to other details of their day.
Understand Delayed Rewards
Moms are busy caring for others and often put their own needs on the backburner. They understand that investing their time in raising their children will pay off later as they witness the wonderful adults their children become. This same mentality makes them great online students. They have no problem working hard now, knowing that they will receive a great reward down the road.
Jennifer Applin is a freelance writer and will soon be the mother of six young children born within a 5-year span. Her writing focuses on strategies for busy parents to juggle it all.
Comments for Why Moms Make Great Online Students:
13 comment(s)
Margaret Pavlitza On Saturday, February 20 2010
I liked the article and agreed with it
Estee Gonzalez On Saturday, February 20 2010
I know exactly what you mean. Being a mom should earn you a master's degree in lots of expertise areas. I have 5 children ranging from 24yrs to 4yrs. So I have lots of understanding. More power to you!!
Sandee Mac On Thursday, February 25 2010
Mother's work it 24/7. They develope their skills over time and then instinctively know when and how to use them.
Gillian Smith-Hines On Friday, February 26 2010
As a mom myself, I find that I multitask a lot, even when I am a work. My colleagues are always amazed at the number of tasks that I can accomplish in one day. I agree with the article wholeheartedly.
mandy nard On Friday, March 05 2010
moms are great correctional officer they know where eveyone should be and what time to except everyone back.
Nicole On Saturday, March 06 2010
There is no greater job than being a mother. We literally are the ones who have to learn quickly and make those last minute decisions. I have a 3 yr old and an 8 yr old. They have changed my life and made me grow up. I am 26 yrs old and have never been through so much in my life, but I will say one thing, its been the best thing that has ever happened to me! I couldnt ask for anything more than to be a mom. I agree with everyone who posted a comment, we rock!
Catherine Woodard On Thursday, March 11 2010
All the accolades listed are absolutely true, the CEO of a multi million dollar organization can't achieve the success of being a Mom, no can their profits be a great as those of being a Mother.
LaWonda Latham On Thursday, April 01 2010
I love my job of being a mother. I tell everyone, when i get off work at 5, my full-time job begins. I am just ready to really get focused on my career. I really anxious about finding a serious online school that will be there for me and assist me along the way. Good comunication and service that is what I am looking for. I have a 8 year old and an 8 month old girls. They are my heart. I love them with all my heart. And I really want to be an example for my girls about education and being a great provider.
Christal Alley On Tuesday, June 15 2010
My number one priorty has been my son and making sure he gets the medical attention he needs. Now that things have "calmed down" for the most part with him, I feel like it's now MY turn to do something that I want to do and believe an online program would be ideal.
MaryAlice On Thursday, August 12 2010
I do appreciate this article, I just got done writing my scholarship essay and mentioned quite a bit of the above attributes in it. This article confirms what I wrote, and I am breathing a sigh of relief that I wrote what they may be looking for! I wish I had read this first, though, because there were a few other things I may have mentioned
Lyda Harrison On Saturday, August 14 2010
Thank you sooo much for this article. It and is very motivational and makes me reliaze how my multi tasking skills will come in handy while taking classes on-line.
Valerie Williams On Tuesday, September 28 2010
I take proud in being a mother and the motivation the my son and now these lady give me. I thank you for this change to get my degree.
jennifer farris On Monday, October 18 2010
i wonld love to go back to school for my kids and myself that was the mess up thing i have did i would love to go back but i don't have time in my day that's why i went to do it online