Are you a parent trying to make the most of parenting and studying at the same time?
Trying to meet the deadlines?
Pulling your hair out out of the stress of loosing the grip on the load of tasks?
Maybe blaming for being not too present for your kid/kids?
Well, the good news are – you are not alone!
I am myself mom of soon 4 year old, who is taking all my time. Being a single mom, due to becoming a widow, is not what really I would have wished. Getting the scarce time when my girl is asleep, I need to be very efficient and make most it, even if I am dozing off at the laptop… But as they say – the only way is through!
Here you will find couple of tips from me on how to survive and use your study time as efficient as possible.
- Before taking on the studies, be realistic – it will get busy and hard. Don´t overestimate yourself and be real about it.
- Make a plan – choose only those courses which you feel able to bring to end.
- Deadlines – as dreadful as it sounds, there will be many of them… Best tip is to run a calendar and write down all the deadlines in timely order. That way you can see what needs to be done earlier. Work on one deadline at time – it will save your nerves and you have a good chance to manage them all.
- Back-up – no, it is not about someone taking exams instead of you, hehe… The word here means, that get in touch with people, who may babysit your small one, when you have exams or presentations. However, don´t rely 100% on them, as we all are human beings and many things can come unexpected.
- Technology – use it to make your life easier. Put reminders, notifications, updates. That will save time and everything will be found at one place, may it be laptop, phone or tablet. Some of the best apps what can save time, can be found here
- House chores – yes, that also must be done. Prioritize things, what you can and will do. Plan meals ahead, do laundry and ironing when time allows. Psst, here is one tasty homemade Tiramisu recipe hidden…
- Prioritize – most important thing of all – make priority of things you can do and things you can´t. We are not super-humans, we are living beings with need to sleep, socialize, etc…
Summary:
Face it – it will be hard, but don´t give up – YOU CAN DO IT.
I hope these tips have given you slightly more information on how to cope with this madness.
However, please do remember – tests and exams you can redo, but being present for your child means a world to them…
