How to Balance a Baby and College
Juggling a baby and college is no easy task. Making it work requires organization, dedication and flexibility. However, if you manage to balance a baby and college, you will likely go on to reap the benefits, including a greater sense of independence and achievement for you and a more secure future for both you and your child.
Things You'll Need
- Planner
Instructions
Keep your expectations realistic. Nobody expects you to be Supermom. Time is limited, and you need to achieve a healthy balance between college and motherhood. Putting too much pressure on yourself to do it all is likely to lead to stress and exhaustion. Identify your time restraints and create a schedule that works around them. Take advantage of all assistance and support available to you. You may have a parent or sibling who can look after your baby or lend you money to pay for professional child care while you are attending college or studying. If you are a single mom, some schools offer bachelor's degree programs tailored to single mothers juggling college and children, such as the Women with Children Program at Wilson College. Look for a college that offers on-site day care facilities to its students. Create a strong support network for you and your baby at home. Your partner, family, and close friends can help you manage college and motherhood successfully if you ask for their help. Stay organized. Write your college schedule down in a planner and keep it updated with all homework, assessments and meetings. Add appointments for your baby, such as health checkups and immunizations. Don't forget to spend time with your baby. This is crucial for her emotional development and the strength of your bond. Refer to your planner on a regular basis to confirm you know what is happening over the next few days. Prepare everything you need for the day the previous night, such as your college books and your baby's bag for day care with diapers, bottles, a change of clothing and everything else she may need. This keeps last-minute rushing around to a minimum. Study away from your baby whenever possible. A quiet, peaceful environment with no distractions will make study time more productive. If you are studying while your baby cries in the next room, you'll struggle to concentrate. Equally, focus 100 percent of your attention on your baby when you are spending time together. This may be difficult if you are anxious about an upcoming test or worrying about the demands of the week ahead. Relax, take a deep breath and try to live in the present. Take your baby for a walk to get some fresh air and clear your head.
