Balancing College Studies and Parenting

Studying in college is already a challenge on its own. And if you have your own family to take care of, that sure raises the bar. While it can be exhausting and, at times, frustrating, it is possible to finish your degree even while raising kids. But how are you going to that? This is what this post is all about. Today, we’ll give you a number of practical tips on how you can balance your university studies and parenting. 

Check Online Courses 

The advantage of having technology right at our fingertips is that we can do practically anything even at the comforts of our home. This includes studying. 

We recommend for parents who would like to get a degree to take courses that can be accessed online. Fortunately, a lot of universities and colleges offer these. More often than not, you can take lessons whenever you are convenient. But there are also subjects where you have to meet virtually with your professors and classmates. Either way, you do not have to leave your kids. 

Build a Support System 

As we’ve already mentioned, studying while parenting is never going to be easy. But if you have a strong support system, it becomes more bearable. You can find groups and communities online for parents in a similar situation. They also juggle a lot of things, including studies, parenting, and even work. At least by joining, you get to have more real-time tips on how to deal with your struggles. Most likely, some of them experienced the same and could provide a solution. 

Create a Schedule  

If you are a type of parent who has that ‘go-with-the-flow’ attitude, then perhaps it’s time to have more control. Start by creating a schedule and try to stick to it.

What you can do is to also assess your kids’ routine. If they are still toddlers and staying at home, know when they usually take their naps or when they are least energetic. Schedule your review time during that period so you will be less distracted. Or perhaps, you can wake up earlier so that you can finish your reading materials. 

Read in Advance 

At the beginning of the semester, your professors or instructors wil give you the syllabus. That means, you can do an advance reading as you already have the list of topics. By doing so, you can save a lot of time as you have an idea about the concepts and principles. If there are audiobooks and video references available, you can use that as supplementary materials. At least you can listen to the lessons while making dinner or feeding your children. 

Keep Yourself Motivated 

It’s normal if sometimes you feel that you made the wrong decision of going back to study. And we understand if you have that feeling that you want to quit. But go back to your reason why you want to finish your degree. Do you want to have a better future for your kids? Do you want to finish what you have started? Will it give you more confidence? 

We have different reasons, but it should be your driving force to continue in this journey. 

Look for Scholarships and Grants 

Apart from the time constraints, one of the biggest issues of studying while parenting is finances. Sometimes, you need to buy supplies and books, which can be costly. To make your finances more balance, you can always search for scholarships and grants. A lot of companies and organizations offer scholarships to parents who are determined to finish studies.   

Take Care of Your Health 

To endure the stress and exhaustion, you must have a strong physical and mental health. That means you have to be cautious with your food choices and spend time working out. Don’t forget meditation as it is also beneficial for your mental state.

Remember, do not abuse yourself. If you think the classes are too much for you, then just take what is manageable. It might take longer for you to finish, but no aspect of your life is sacrificed. 

Ask for Professional Help 

And lastly, it’s ok to ask for help. There are online services that can assist you with your assignments and reports. It takes a lot of stress off your shoulders, and you can still work on other tasks.