Becoming a mom in college can be incredibly challenging. Not only are you juggling the demands of school, but you now have the added responsibility of taking care of an infant. You may be dealing with a lack of desired sleep, financial constraints, and difficulty finding childcare or assistance. It’s important to remember that you are not alone; there are resources available to help make life a little easier for college moms. From free childcare services to grants and scholarships specifically designed for young mothers, there is something out there for everyone.
And having a support system from your peers or family members can also be incredibly helpful in navigating through this new phase of life. Parenthood is one of the most rewarding experiences someone can have. Of course, it may seem overwhelming at times. But important to remember that you are capable of achieving your goals and pursuing your dreams. With the right support and tips below, you can make it through college while still enjoying being a mom.
1. Schedule ahead.
Creating a schedule and sticking to it is crucial for every student-parent juggling college and parenting. Scheduling ahead can help young mothers better manage their time and responsibilities, leaving them less stressed during the semester. Before each semester starts, plan out what days you’ll attend classes, when you’ll study, when you’ll do your assignments, when you’ll take care of your child(ren), etc. Leaving some free time in your schedule is also important so that unexpected tasks or events can be handled without too much disruption to your day-to-day activities.
2. Use assignment writing services.
If you find yourself struggling to keep up with your coursework despite taking the step above, consider using assignment writing services. These services can provide you with essays and other assignments that are customized to your needs and written by experts in the subject. This will free up some extra time in your schedule so that you can focus on caring for your child(ren) or completing other important tasks. Or at least, you can check free essay samples. No matter what assignment you have, even if it’s Friends popular topic essay, go through paper samples on the web. It will give you fresh ideas and save a lot of time.
3. Utilize on-campus resources.
Most universities have resources specifically designed to help student-parents balance college and parenting. Look into the daycare centers, housing services, food banks, childcare subsidies, parent mentor programs, etc. available at your campus and take advantage of them whenever you can. This will make managing school and parenthood much easier.
4. Ask for help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it! Reach out to other student-parents who are in a similar situation as you or seek help from family and friends. Many universities have network groups specifically designed for young mothers juggling college and parenting; these communities can provide support, advice, guidance, and friendship during challenging times.
5. Take breaks.
Being a student-parent can be overwhelming and it’s important to take breaks when you need them. Take time out of your schedule to relax, unwind, and reenergize yourself. This will help keep you motivated and prevent burnout.
6. Prioritize.
Before each semester or week begins, prioritize what needs to get done first. Write down all of your tasks for the week/month and then organize them in order of importance so that you know exactly what to focus on first. This will make it easier for you to manage school, parenting responsibilities, and other commitments without feeling overwhelmed.
7. Get organized.
The organization is key when it comes to balancing college and parenting! Make sure your notes, drafts, and assignments are all organized so that you can easily access them when needed. It helps to have a calendar/agenda where you write down important dates and deadlines; this will make it easier for you to stay on top of your workload.
8. Take online courses.
If possible, consider taking online classes instead of attending in-person lectures. This allows student-parents the flexibility to work around their parenting responsibilities and still be able to complete their coursework. Make sure that the classes offered through your university’s online portal are accredited before signing up for any courses.
9. Use technology.
Utilize technology whenever possible! Utilizing technology such as video conferencing, online study groups, and cloud storage can make managing college and parenting much easier. Technology can also help student-parents connect with other students and professors when they’re not able to attend in-person lectures or meetings.
10. Make time for yourself.
It’s important for young mothers to remember that they are still individuals with their own needs and desires. Making time for yourself is essential; whether it’s watching your favorite movie or reading a book, do something that will help you relax and recharge every day.
Balancing college and parenting is not an easy task, but it’s certainly possible if you take the right steps.
Author’s Bio
Cory Shilling is a passionate study coach. He has dedicated his life to helping students reach their full potential. Cory takes pride in providing tailored study guidance and support to individual students.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
