Some people are amazed at how I managed to study and be a mum. Well, here’s my story.
I always have wanted to achieve and be good enough, but sometimes life throws you curveballs and you end up on a completely different journey. To cut the story short, I was a barista in a popular coffee shop in my town. It was one of the best jobs. I met some amazing people – some of whom are some of my closest friends – but also had some times and people who underestimated me and thought that I was a bimbo and very ditzy. But one thing someone told me is “Use it to your advantage”. I knew that I wanted more, so while on maternity leave I decided I wanted to go back and study.
I therefore want to share my tips for studying and being a full-time mum to a 2-year-old and an 8-month-old.
Leave the house to study (make sure you have childcare for this tip)
I found personally leaving the house is sometimes what you need to do, especially if you have an important assignment and need to reach a deadline. I also found it’s an excuse for taking care of your time, which is also important for your mental health, as being a parent and studying can be a lot of pressure. I am lucky to have a supportive partner – you can also ask a family member or a friend.
Be prepared to have a child climbing on you during lectures
In most of the lectures I have attended, one of my little ones is usually climbing on me. However, I have never tell them to go away as I never want them to feel rejected. Most lectures are recorded and sometimes I will have to go back and rewatch them. If they’re not recorded, I rebook on to another one where I know someone can watch them (I usually rewatch them at bedtime).
Take time for yourself away from studying
If you do have free time, don’t always study. When I first started, it was the most important thing to me, but I found as long as you are hitting your deadlines, it’s okay to sit bingewatching Love Island for a night as you need time to be your own person. From my own experience, not giving myself time like this made my mental health decline.
I hope some of my tips will help my fellow mums/dads/carers balance university life and raising our future generations.
