Tips for Finding a Balance Between Mommy and Student!

Being a mom is hard enough, add in all of the other hats moms wear:  chauffeur, personal chef, chief disciplinarian, head grocery shopper, bill payer, and the list goes on and on, it doesn’t leave much time for much else.  Adding student to that list seems like a complete impossibility when you look at all of the other things us moms have going on. 
Actually being a mom and a student is not impossible, I’ve been working towards my degree for the past few years and even though it has been a long and bumpy road filled with many twists and turns, I’m doing it and I am succeeding!  So I thought I would share some of my tips for balancing motherhood and school with all of you who are students or may be thinking of becoming student.

*  Be prepared!  It will be difficult to find a good balance between your family and your school work, but not impossible!  Don’t go into the situation thinking it will be a breeze without being fully prepared for what’s in store!  Late nights spent studying, cramming for exams, homework, quizzes, babysitter or daycare issues—just make sure you have a clear game plan and you won’t go wrong!

*  Don’t take on too much!  Making sure that your course load isn’t too much for you is a must when you have a family and a job to worry about.  I cannot tell you how many times I have attempted to take on 5 classes a semester and failed miserably at doing so.  I know for me 4 classes is the most I can handle at a time, for some people it may be more for some less, only you know what you can handle so don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise!
*  Make a Study Schedule and Stick to it!  This is probably one of the best tips I have been given!  When you have other commitments (family, work, friends) it’s very easy to forget about your school work.  Make a study schedule each week of the times that you can study uninterrupted for at least an hour per day and make sure you stick to it! 
*  Don’t procrastinate!  I have to admit that being an online student I find myself putting things off to the last minute more often than not.  The problem is that sometimes (and with 4 kids sometimes means at least once a week) things happen and you are unable to finish that project or complete your quiz—so plan for the unexpected and don’t leave things until last minute!
* Make time for family activities!  As hard as this one is to do when you have papers due, pop quizzes, and exams to study for, it’s also very important.  Making time to spend with your family lets them know that they are just as important as your school work—it’s also a great stress relief for YOU!
*  Don’t give up!  I know so many people who have started school only to give it up because it became too difficult to balance school, work, and family.  Going to school when you’re a mom IS hard, but it CAN be done, you just have to find the balance that works for you and keep at it…you may just be surprised at what you can do!
Are you a college student and a mom?  If so I want to hear your best tips for balancing the two! 

Image Credit:  Students Over 30