their academic experience. “The nice
thing about them being older is that
you can have a discussion with them
about it,” says Amber Quick, a mother
of four boys and online student at
Hong Kong Institute of Education.
Children are not the only ones
who can tug the guilt cords. The same
husbands that cheered their partners
on at the beginning often struggle
to maintain the same enthusiasm
throughout the course. Li Lian recalls
the challenges of juggling family time
with her need to study. “We spend
a lot of time individually with the
kids, but to get family time is quite
difficult,” she says.
One way to bridge the gap
between school demands and time
with loved ones is to involve them
whenever possible. Ramapriya once
used her children in a teaching project
and also talks to her daughters about
what she is studying. Their reaction
has been very positive, even if they
now demand to know how much she
scores on her tests and “are you the
first in class?”
To avoid unexpected surprises,
speak to a programme coordinator
and understand what is expected of
students
before
enrolling. Are classes
theory- or practice-oriented? How
demanding are specific teachers, are
class attendance and participation
mandatory and part of your grade?
Are there many group projects, and
how many out-of-class assignments
can be expected?
Are you up to the challenge?
Faced with so many challenges, you
might wonder why so many mums and
dads go back to school at all. Most
commonly, they aspire to change
careers, make more money and widen
their career opportunities. Other
reasons include keeping up with new
technologies, personal development
and even pride.
“A little bit of pride might be
part of the reason,” says Amber. “My
husband went and got his Master’s a
few years ago, and I really didn’t want
to be under shown.”
Overburdened and challenged,
the mums I talked to still encourage
other parents who are considering
going back to school to go for it, but
also caution that choosing the right
subject matters, especially during the
difficult times. “You really have to
have a passion for that specific subject.
It’s easy to get lost along the way
and say
I don’t need this
,” says Li Lian.
Also, concentrate on what you have
achieved, rather than dwell on the
work ahead. Take one week at a time
and don’t fret over every single grade.
Finally, think of a way to reward
yourself at the end of it all. Some
look forward to spending more time
with friends and family, while others
can’t wait to get back to a hobby. “I
just want to book myself into a hotel
for one night, go to the spa the whole
day and read a crappy novel,” says
Chantal, with a big grin on her face.
• Discuss the programme schedule in
detail with your family.
• Explain to your children why this is
important to you and how the entire
family will benefit.
• Chose a subject you are passionate
about and enjoy.
• Select an enrolment plan that works
for your schedule and personality.
• Think ahead. Ask if there is a reading
list before the course starts and get
a head start.
• Understand
all
class requirements,
such as out-of-class or group
assignments, and plan for them.
• Expect difficult moments and the
temptation to quit.
• Plan an end-of-course reward.
TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENT STUDENTS
February 2014
55
