Nanny to Mommy

You’re a full-time mom now, congratulations! Despite popular belief, your world does not have to stop just because you have kids. If your dream is to study to reach new heights in your career, or to learn a new career altogether, you’ve got this. Below are some handy tips to help you make time for studying when you have kids.

Studying online is one of the best ways to earn a degree while you have kids. An online degree is a fantastic choice for busy moms, as you can come back to learning whenever you please. This means no 9am lectures, you can choose to watch your lectures and study around your life and any commitments your kids have. There are plenty of online courses that are offered part-time too, meaning you only need to spend 1 or 2 days a week studying to get your degree.

If you are an aspiring nurse, you can choose to study online and work in the hospital part-time to earn your degree. If you are already a nurse, choosing a master’s degree online means you can make time to do it around your busy schedule. For nurses looking to advance their careers, nurse practitioners are in demand around the US. There are many other online degrees you can take other than nursing though. From social work to business administration, there is a whole world to choose from. Don’t let having kids put you off studying, as online studying is here to benefit you.

Our kids look up to us more than we will ever know. They copy everything we do, from our hobbies and interests to the way we speak. If your kids have their own homework to do, why not do your studying at the same time? Depending on the age of your kids, you may still need another adult present to help them if they need it but being there beside them and showing them that you are also studying will spur them on and is a great example of positive role modeling.

If your kids are a little younger and haven’t hit school age yet, not to worry. You can find an activity that allows them to improve their skills, such as coloring or painting. While they are busy with their activity, you can sit with them and begin studying yourself. Teaching your kids the importance of quiet time from an early age is essential.

With kids, nothing can be totally mapped out, but having a set plan in place can help you prioritize when you can study and when your kids need you. Planning in advance means you are less likely to miss deadlines and more likely to get things done. Set out a certain number of hours each week that you will dedicate solely to watching your lectures or catching up with any coursework. A study plan has so many benefits, including increased productivity and better time management skills.

As a mom, the unexpected can happen, so always counter in more time than you may need, just in case. Doing this means you don’t have to worry about your deadlines, as everything will be planned and prepared for the coming week or month. If you end up getting a spare hour here and there, get ahead with your work and get it done. Finishing early will mean more quiet time for you!

When you choose to study, you need to know that you have a support system around you for the times you need to complete coursework or take an exam. Speak to your family and friends and let them know your plans for studying. When you have good people around you, they will support your goals and do everything they can to help.

Speak to other moms at nursery or school, you will be surprised how many moms are in a similar boat. Helping another mom out will not only gain you a friend, it will also help you out in the long run too and give your kids plenty of social interaction and play time. It really is a win-win situation. Make sure your partner is in the know with your deadlines so they can support you too. For important days such as exams, ask your partner to take a day off work, so you have one less thing to worry about.

While pen and paper are a more traditional approach to studying, when you have coloring pages on the table, and the chance that your notes could be drawn all over, pen and paper is not the most realistic way to study. Technology, however, can be used to your advantage and is a great study tool to keep everything in order and away from prying hands.

It is best to get your own laptop or tablet for studying, so you can use it whenever you need to. If you choose to study on the same tablet that your kids have their games on, you’ll find every time you want to study, they want to play too. If you are taking the kids to school in the morning, or taking your baby for a walk, use the car or some headphones and listen to a lecture while you are on the move. Take notes with your tablet, where you can easily find them later. Check out this post on 12 useful apps for college students.

Even while studying and being with the kids, there are times you need to have just for yourself. That means no working, no learning, and no kids! This is essential for your mental health as too much of anything will cause a serious burn out. If you hit this point, it is a struggle to get back up to optimal health again. No mom should have to experience burn out, that is why it is essential to make some time for yourself. Even if this means getting up 15 minutes early in the morning and doing some light stretching or meditation.

Stealing quiet moments alone while the kids are occupied means that you can focus better and have more energy. If your kids are napping and you are exhausted, do not feel guilty for leaving the washing up and having a nap yourself. Listen to your body and most importantly, never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You are not failing as mom just because you need help; studying and being a mom is hard work!

Yes, you heard me right. If you are going to be studying, being a mom, being a partner, caring for yourself, AND keeping a house running, you must lower your standards. This may mean that the house isn’t as clean as you want it to be, or the dishes are piling up in the kitchen, but do not worry, they will get done! When it is all getting too much, it may be time to lower your standards a little. If studying is important to you, housework can come afterwards.

While maintaining some level of cleanliness is necessary, this does not mean you need to tidy up every time your kids have been playing, sometimes those toys can stay out of the toy box until the next morning. If you are struggling with keeping up with your chores, get your kids involved (if they are old enough). Otherwise, a dishwasher is a dream for any mom if you don’t already have one. You may also want to hire a weekly cleaner to do a clean of the house for you. This not only saves you a few hours, it also does not cost a lot and will keep your mind at ease that the house is clean.

Making friends on your course will not only show you that there are other people in your situation, it will also give you someone to lean on when you are struggling, and vice versa. A study friend can motivate you and you can help each other out, as we all have different skill sets when it comes to learning. Even if you are studying online, you will be able to meet classmates through your online portal, or through Zoom and Facebook groups.

Having someone else there that understands the course and that has the same deadlines as you can help keep you in check and is a good way to learn. You can even plan study sessions together because studying as a two is much more fun than studying alone.

Being a mom is a busy life and raising kids is a full-time job, but that does not mean you need to put your career or learning goals to the side now that you’re a mom. Following these tips can help you to study as a mom and remember- always ask for help if you need it.