Motherhood and college, individually, are life challenges that are both exhausting and rewarding. However, combine the two and you have an even more delicate dance to keep life in balance. College moms might be young, new mothers (like myself) or might be mothers of older children or even grandmothers. Student moms also vary from those who have never attended college to those who are returning for a new career path or to further their current career.
Regardless, being a student mom comes with it's own set of challenges. Below, I've shared some tips for making it through and thriving as a
mother and student.
1. Let It Go
No. I don't mean go watch Frozen with your 6 year-old for the millionth time. Literally, you have to let stuff go. You're trying to balance being a good student and a good parent (and maybe even a good employee and/or significant other, too). In order to save your sanity, you're going to have to cut yourself some slack.
Maybe that means you're vacuuming once a week, rather than three or four times. Maybe your kids are eating pizza rolls tonight. Maybe the dishes won't get done for a few days. Maybe you're 15 minutes late to class because there was a diaper blowout 5 minutes before you had to load the kids in the car.
It's okay. Let it go. Things will be okay.
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2. Prioritize
If you're not quite sure how to accomplishment the first point, then this should help. Learn to prioritize what
has to be done. I always like to think of priorities like this:
- Have to do
- Should do
- Could/want to/might do
Work through the things you have to do and then move on to the things you should do. Try to do at least something that you want to do, so that you don't feel like your whole day is all work and no play. That can get exhausting.
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3. Lists
Lists, lists, lists. Even if I never look at a list again, writing things down gives me clarity, helps me organize my thoughts, and helps remember what needs to be remembered. I used excel to
create a spreadsheet of all my assignments for the semester. I used it digitally, but it could have easily been printed and used for reference, just the same. If you're having trouble getting organized, lists can really help.
4. Know your limits.
I am really,
really bad at this one. It's really important to have realistic expectations for yourself. Don't take more classes than you can handle. This last semester I started a new job that had a more traditional work schedule. I also took on full time college classes. I'm going to fail one of those classes after getting so behind catching up is an insurmountable task. My work in the others has suffered.
For someone who was devastated when she received her first and only C in college, this is really hard for me. However, it's shown me that, more than ever, it's important to
find the life balance that works for you.
Otherwise you'll end up giving less than your all to your job, your school, and/or your family. Take it from someone who knows. Set yourself up for success in all areas of your life!
5. Self care.
Take care of yourself. Take a day off. Lounge around in your PJs with the kids eating ice cream and watching Disney movies. Go on a date with your spouse or have a night out with your friends. Remember that you're still human and you still deserve some fun.
We're all trying to make the most out of our lives. To improve ourselves for our children. We want them to look up to us. We want them to be proud of us. We want to give them the world. Being a college student
and a mom is tough. We can do it though!
What advice would you offer to moms who are attending college?
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