Working, Studying, And Being A Mom: How To Find Balance

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    Working, studying, and being a mom… some of the most challenging tasks combined. Navigating the demands of motherhood, academia, and professional life can feel like a constant juggling act. However, by implementing effective strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can thrive in all these roles.

    Here’s how to deepen your approach to balance, efficiency, and personal fulfilment. Also, know when you need to take a break and recharge.

    Our Must-Knows

    Let’s start by talking about some of the must-know ideas we have for those who are busy working, studying, and being a mom!

    Establish a Daily Routine

    Creating a structured daily routine helps you allocate specific times for studying, family, work, and self-care. A consistent routine provides a sense of stability for both you and your children.

    You might want to make a nice printout to put on the wall to help your children remember and keep track of what needs to get done. Setting up your kids verbally makes everything run far more smoothly.

    Morning Rituals:

    Start your day with a morning ritual that sets a positive tone. This could include a short workout, meditation, or reading. Having a peaceful morning can give you the mental clarity you need to tackle your responsibilities.

    It could be as simple as getting up half an hour early to drink your morning coffee alone. Take 15 minutes to journal, or 10 minutes to write your list in your bujo.

    Family Check-ins:

    Incorporate check-in moments with your family throughout the day. This ensures that everyone feels connected, even during busy periods. A quick text or a brief conversation can strengthen bonds and reassure your kids that you’re present.

    With your little kids, a quick cuddle is especially helpful ensuring that your reminding them that you are on their team is so beneficial.

    Evening Wind-Down:

    Designate time to unwind at the end of the day. Establish a bedtime routine for your children and take a few moments for yourself to reflect on the day, journal, or engage in a hobby.

    Sometimes this won’t be possible when your kids are tired. If that is the case then pop them down first before taking the quiet time for yourself. Reading a story to your kids before bed is one of the best things you can do for them.

    Use Technology Wisely

    Harness the power of technology to streamline your responsibilities and improve your productivity. Working, studying, and being a mom means you are going to need technological support to stay on top of everything you need to do.

    We love Notion for an endless productivity space, as well as keeping track of all your weekly, monthly, and daily resets.

    Notion is a game changer for mothers, you can have it on your laptop, ipad, and phone and it updates instantly. You cna have lists upon lists and helps you to keep everything in one place.

    Educational Apps:

    For younger toddlers, games like kids piano or “Bimi Boo” can be so beneficial for hand-eye coordination, learning animal sounds, and enjoying music.

    Apps like Khan Academy or Quizlet can supplement your learning and provide additional support outside of class. This can help maximize your study time and make learning more interactive for your children.

    Online Classes/Distance Learning:

    If your schedule is particularly tight, consider online courses or hybrid models that offer more flexibility than traditional classrooms.

    Focus on Quality Over Quantity

    In both your personal and academic life, prioritize quality engagements over the quantity of tasks you complete.

    15 minutes of quality work is better than spending an hour on 6 different subjects and getting little to nothing done.

    Engage Deeply:

    When studying, focus on understanding the material rather than just getting through the pages. This deeper engagement enhances retention and reduces the need for additional study time later.

    Highlighting and writing notes allows you to actually retain information that will help you as you work towards assessments. Working, studying, and being a mom means you are so busy sometimes we forget to just sit down and be a mom for 10 minutes.

    Limit Distractions:

    Create a dedicated study space that is free from distractions. Inform your family about your study times to encourage them to respect that time.

    Investing in a good set of headphones can also help to zone into your studying or working time.

    Mindful Parenting:

    When spending time with your children, be present. Put away devices and engage in activities that promote bonding and learning. This could include arts and crafts, cooking together, or outdoor play.

    Choose your child’s favourite task and spend even just 10 minutes enjoying the quality time, it will mean the world to them.

    Create a Support Network

    Your success relies heavily on the support of others. Build a strong network that you can rely on when times are tough.

    Having connections around you is a really important part of juggling multiple categories in our lives.

    Connect with Other Student Parents:

    Join groups, either online or locally, that cater to student parents. Sharing experiences and advice can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide valuable insights.

    Utilize Campus Resources:

    Many educational institutions offer resources for student parents, including childcare services or study groups. Don’t hesitate to reach out and utilize these resources.

    Exercise Regularly:

    Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. This doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. Family walks, dancing, or home workout sessions can be fun and effective.

    Healthy Eating Habits:

    Plan nutritious meals that fuel your body and mind. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them healthy habits and create bonding moments.

    Transparency with Your Partner:

    Regularly discuss your commitments and feelings with your partner. Keeping the lines of communication open fosters understanding and empathy.

    Involve Your Children:

    Depending on their age, involve your children in discussions about your schedules. Teaching them about time management can help them understand your commitments and develop their own.

    Engage with Professors:

    If challenges arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors. They appreciate when students are proactive in seeking help and may offer solutions tailored to their situation.

    Keep Learning and Adapting

    Life is an ongoing learning process, and every challenge offers growth opportunities. Try to step into the learning and wear that study hat.

    Reflect on Your Experiences:

    Regularly take time to evaluate what strategies are working and what needs adjustment. Being reflective can help you make necessary changes to optimize your balance.

    Celebrate Your Progress:

    Acknowledge your achievements, big or small. Celebrating milestones keeps you motivated and reinforces the notion that your hard work is paying off.

    Stay Open to Change:

    Life as a mother, student, and professional is dynamic. Be open to adapting your strategies as your circumstances change. Flexibility can reduce stress and increase satisfaction.

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      How To Balance Being A Mom And A Student

      Balancing the roles of being a mom and a student can be overwhelming, but it is absolutely possible with careful planning, the right mindset, and support.

      Many mothers who return to school often find themselves juggling responsibilities between their children, coursework, and sometimes a job. Here are some strategies to help you maintain balance:

      • Prioritize and Plan Ahead

      Creating a weekly schedule that includes your classes, study sessions, and family commitments is essential. Use a planner or a digital calendar to block out specific times for each activity. Planning ahead allows you to avoid last-minute chaos and ensures you meet deadlines.

      • Leverage Your Support System

      Don’t be afraid to lean on your support network. This could be your partner, family, friends, or even classmates. For example, ask a trusted friend to babysit while you prepare for exams or lean on your partner to handle household chores during busy weeks.

      • Maximize Productivity During Nap Time

      As a mom, you’ve likely mastered multitasking. Use your child’s nap times or quiet playtime to tackle schoolwork. Even 30 minutes of focused studying can make a significant difference.

      • Communicate with Your Professors

      Most professors understand the unique challenges student-parents face. Communicate openly about your situation, and they may offer flexible deadlines or suggest ways to succeed in their class.

      • Take Care of Yourself

      It’s easy to neglect self-care when you’re busy, but maintaining your physical and mental health is crucial. Eat nutritious meals, stay active, and prioritize sleep. A healthy mom is a better student and parent.

      How to Be a Good Wife and Mother While Working

      Balancing the roles of wife, mother, and working professional can feel like a full-time job in itself. However, with intentional effort and clear boundaries, you can excel in all these roles without feeling stretched too thin. Working, studying, and being a mom here are some tips:

      • Set Clear Expectations

      Open communication with your spouse is key. Discuss your schedules, responsibilities, and expectations to ensure you’re on the same page. Sharing the load makes the household run more smoothly.

      • Create Quality Family Time

      Even if your schedule is packed, prioritize quality time with your family. This could mean having dinner together, playing a board game, or simply reading bedtime stories. These small moments strengthen your bond.

      • Practice Time Blocking

      Time blocking can help you allocate specific periods for work, family, and self-care. By dedicating focused time to each area, you can be fully present without feeling guilty about neglecting other responsibilities.

      • Delegate Tasks

      You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate chores to your spouse or older children. Hiring help for cleaning or childcare, if financially feasible, can also lighten your load.

      • Set Boundaries at Work

      Communicate your limits to your employer. If you need to leave work at a specific time to be with your family, make it clear. Protecting your work-life balance is essential for long-term success.

      • Keep Your Marriage a Priority

      It’s easy to put your marriage on the back burner when you’re busy. Schedule regular date nights or even short moments to connect with your spouse. Strong communication and affection can keep your relationship thriving.

      working, studying, and being a mom

      How Do You Manage Your Time as a Student Mother

      Time management is the cornerstone of succeeding as a student mother. With so many responsibilities competing for your attention, it’s crucial to make every moment count. Here’s how you can do it:

      • Start with a Realistic Schedule

      Begin by assessing all your commitments. Write down your classes, study sessions, work hours (if applicable), and family obligations. Then, assign realistic time blocks to each activity. Don’t forget to schedule downtime to avoid burnout.

      Check out our Bullet Journaling For Busy Mums for more on scheduling in a bullet journal!

      • Use Productivity Tools

      Leverage apps and tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion to organize your tasks. Set reminders for important deadlines and use to-do lists to stay on track.

      • Embrace Flexibility

      Life as a mom is unpredictable. Be prepared to adapt when things don’t go as planned. If your child gets sick or you have an unexpected obligation, shift your schedule accordingly without panicking.

      • Batch Similar Tasks

      Grouping similar tasks together can save time and mental energy. For example, dedicate a specific day to grocery shopping and meal prepping. Similarly, schedule uninterrupted study sessions to focus on coursework.

      • Study Smarter, Not Longer

      Focus on efficiency when studying. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to maximize your productivity. Find study spots where you can concentrate without distractions.

      • Say No to Overcommitments

      It’s tempting to say yes to every request, but overcommitting will only lead to stress. Politely decline activities that don’t align with your priorities. It’s okay to set boundaries to protect your time.

      • Celebrate Small Wins

      Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s finishing an assignment on time or successfully juggling a tough week, give yourself credit for your hard work.

      General Tips for Success as a Working, Studying Mom

      While juggling multiple roles can be daunting, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

      • Build a Reliable Routine

      Routines create a sense of stability for both you and your family. A consistent daily schedule helps everyone know what to expect, reducing stress and chaos.

      • Focus on Your “Why”

      Remind yourself why you’re pursuing your education or career goals. Whether it’s to provide a better future for your family or fulfil a personal dream, staying connected to your purpose can keep you motivated.

      • Learn to Let Go of Perfection

      You don’t have to be perfect at everything. Sometimes, it’s okay to have a messy house or serve leftovers for dinner. Focus on what truly matters and let go of unnecessary stress.

      • Take Breaks

      Burnout is real, and taking breaks is essential for maintaining your mental and physical health. Use your downtime to recharge, whether it’s a short walk, a quick nap, or a relaxing bath.

      • Seek Professional Help When Needed

      If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking help from a counsellor or therapist. Talking to a professional can provide valuable coping strategies and emotional support.

      • Network with Other Student Moms

      Connecting with other moms in similar situations can provide a sense of community and support. Join online forums, social media groups, or local meetups to share experiences and advice.

      Conclusion

      Balancing work, studies, and motherhood is challenging, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. With strategic planning, effective time management, and a supportive network, you can excel in all areas of your life.

      Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, set boundaries, and prioritize your well-being. You are setting a powerful example for your children by showing them the value of hard work, determination, and resilience. Working, studying, and being a mom is possible and you can do it!

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