Making the decision to go back to school after having a baby is difficult, especially when the baby is still an infant or toddler. For those parents who decide to take the plunge and enroll in a class or two, here are some words of advice from someone who successfully completed a degree with small children in tow.
Make scheduling a habit. While things tend to come up, having a schedule written down on paper or shared electronically between partners allows for a visual cue as to what the new student has in store for the day. This will also serve as a reminder if sitters are needed while the parent is in class or studying. The greatest benefit of a schedule is that study time can be incorporated into the family unit’s regular daily activities. Some students find that when study time is scheduled, it motivates them to stay on task.
Form a support network. Having a support network that is genuinely concerned for your ability to be successful in your academic aspirations will help immensely to keep up motivation and mental stamina of the student. Support networks work best when the group is all on the same page as far as the student’s aspirations and needs. Carefully choosing who is to be part of the support network is vital to the network being useful to the student. One bad apple in the bunch and a student’s dreams of getting a degree can be severely hindered.
Make time each day to spend with your children. Even if it’s just a few minutes of cuddling on the couch watching your baby’s favorite show, time spent with parents is vital to a child’s development. While you may be preoccupied with your studies, your baby still needs to know he is loved and wanted. Make it a habit to offer more hugs and kisses so your little one does not feel left out.
Keep well! Staying in a state of optimal health is a holistic approach that will not only keep your family unit in top condition, but it will benefit information retention as well. Having an acute illness can rob students of valuable study time and time that can be spent with small children. Get adequate rest, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. All of these activities will help to boost your immune potential and have you on the road to educational success.
Going back to school while raising a small child may be one of the most difficult tasks that you choose to do. Taking some time to think through the above strategies will help make the process a bit smoother. While there is no easy way to get through school and raise children, being proactive in your planning will serve you well on your path to reaching your academic goals.
