Being a college student and a
mom is a unique experience, regardless of whether you are embarking on an
undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree program. Parenting while attending
college has its challenges, including difficulty managing and prioritizing your
time.
Balancing Children and an Education
Even on the best
of days when all seems to be going well, being a student and a mom is a
demanding way to live with the added pressure from both home and the classroom.
At its worst, it can lead to feelings of guilt and a lot of stress. Following
are eight handy tips for moms who are embarking on a college degree.
1. Understand that
priorities continually change. Giving
100 percent to every responsibility in your life is not possible, so prioritize
on a daily basis. Then realize that each day those priorities can and, most
likely, will change.
2. Develop a
support system. Friends, significant
others, and family members can provide the right amount of encouragement when
things get tough. Make sure to let accept help!
3. Be realistic. It can be hard not to feel left behind when
classmates graduate and move on. At those times, it is critical to remember the
different challenges you have in your life, such as only being able to take one
or two classes at a time instead of three or four.
4. Build academic
relationships. Let your professors
know that you are a mom so that if you need to miss a class or fall behind on
assignments, you can try to reach out to their understanding side.
5. Consider
online classes. Many universities
offer courses that you can take online. While the format may differ, it can
alleviate some of the pressures of needing childcare.
6. Make time
for yourself. You might think that
taking time for yourself is impossible, particularly with the amount of stress,
work, and juggling that you deal with daily.
7. Recognize
when to take a break. It is okay to
take breaks, whether it is between semesters or between degree programs. If you
do not allow yourself to do so, the constant stress will become emotionally and
physically exhausting.
8. Managing
time allows you to study effectively.
The best way to approach studying is to build a
schedule around it. Set realistic goals both for study time and for your
children. Setting the bar too high or low is a mistake many people make
when returning to school.
Accomplishment requires focus. List what you want
to accomplish, stay focused on those tasks, and cut everything else loose.
Focus on school and the requirements of your children and before you know it,
you will be a college graduate!
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