Are you a mother attending college? Are you finding it difficult to balance being a mother and spending time with your children? Are you finding it difficult to manage your time effectively between motherhood, work and college? If this sounds like you, you might need some tips to make your college experience more enjoyable. Here are five survival tips for moms attending college.
1. Create a Realistic Schedule and Stick to it
One of the hardest challenges for mothers attending college is managing a daily routine that enables them to balance looking after children as well as studying. Whether you use a calendar app, or write your schedule out so that it is posted on a notice board, make sure your schedule is realistic and that you stick to it.
2. Create a Comfortable Work Environment
Focusing on doing college work, looking after children and keeping a house in order can seem like an impossible task. However, it can be done. Take control of your responsibilities as a student by creating a peaceful work environment that is dedicated to college work. Making a separation between work and home life is the key to being able to focus, stay disciplined and motivated.
3. Stay Organized
It will be easier to stick to your daily routine if you are organized. There are a wide range of organizational tools available it’s up to you to find what works best for you. Here are a few techniques you can use to be more organized:
- Make a folder for each individual class
- Make a physical or an online calendar of assignments and due dates
- Keep a continuous to do list of all the things that you need to get done each day
- Use post it notes in your area to remind you of any important dates or events
4. Get the Children Involved
If you have children old enough to receive homework from school, you can all work together. You can quiz each other on different terminology for your classes. You can all snuggle together on the couch while reading your textbooks. Or you can use flash cards to remind each other of important study points.
5. Take Regular Breaks
Working too hard can have a negative effect on the quality of your work. Take a 5 to 10 minute break with every hour of work that you do.
6. Make Arrangements with Your Support Team
As a mother trying to balance online classes and being a mother, you are going to need help. It is imperative that you don’t attempt to be a superhero mom by doing everything on your own. Arrange to have babysitters when you need one, carpooling, and get general help from friends and family so that you can focus on your studies.
Conclusion
In addition to the tips mentioned above, every mother should consider online courses as well. With the growth in technology, online courses are becoming increasingly popular. Popular online courses such as a master in public health are perfect for mothers looking to further their education while still taking care of their families. The University of Southern California offers a master’s in public health online, where you can create your own schedule and fit your role as a mother around your study schedule.
Balancing family and college is all about being organized, having a solid support team around you and making sure that you keep realistic objectives. Also, make sure that you involve your whole family in the process so they’ll be able to understand your new schedule and responsibilities.
Do you have any additional tips for moms attending college?
