by Megan Shaw

Created on: May 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 31, 2010

As a mother of three and a full time student, I realize the stress and pressure of going to college while raising children.  When I first started, no one I knew had ever tackled the enormous task of being a full time parent and full time student.  I have been through the ups and downs of the adventure of college.  Looking back at some things I have learned, I have compiled a list of advice that I wish I would have had when I started my schooling.

1.  Do not procrastinate.  This goes for all students, but especially students who have children.  If you put aside assignments for later, the unexpected may happen.  My freshman year of college I learned this the hard way.  I put of a huge research paper and the week before it was due my kids caught a bought of the stomach flu.  Doing homework while caring for sick kids does not mix.

2.  Do not try to multitask.  I know that this seems impossible when you have children, but what I mean is do not try to do homework and care for kids at the same time.  Dedicate time where you can be alone and concentrate on your school work.  If you multitask, you are not completely dedicated to either task, and both will suffer. 

3.  Do not overload yourself.  Only take as many courses as you can handle.  If you put too much on yourself you will not do well in your classes.  If you work and are a parent, you may consider only taking three to six credit hours.  If you are a stay at home mom, you should decide how much time you can spend on school work and go from there.

4.  Do not be afraid to ask for help.  Everyone needs help sometimes, and parents are no exceptions.  Do not allow yourself to feel guilty for asking your spouse, friends, or family to keep an eye on your children while you study. 

5.  Take time off every now and then.  I know pressure is on to finish a degree on time, but remember that you need to maintain your sanity.  Even if you cannot take summers off, downgrade your course load.  If downgrading is absolutely no an option you can do simple things to make sure you are spending time for yourself.  Some examples of things to do to relieve stress while still maintaining your school work include: a day trip with your family where school is not involved, long hot baths to ease your mind, watching a movie or TV show in between assignments.  Also, remember to eat chocolate!  It not only reduces stress, but it is the official brain-food of mothers everywhere!  It doesn’t matter what you do, just remember to take care of yourself too.

I know going to school with children is not easy, but I hope that these tips can ease some of the tension.  My kids are five, three, and two and I am a junior in college.  There have been times when I have thought about throwing in the towel, but I did not and I keep going.  I know that in the end my education will pay off for me and my family. Remember to keep a positive attitude and do not quit on yourself!  

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