Studying on parental leave is a very difficult thing to do. Young mothers often hear from others that studying on parental leave is bliss:
“Why do you need to study? Take care of the kids…”
“Why else study? You already have a degree!”
“Why waste money on studies? You have a child!”
Be prepared to confront the negativity if you are serious about combining school and motherhood. It is possible, though, that those around you will treat your desire with respect and understanding.
Studying on parental leave requires a lot of courage, but even it is not enough to do everything. So how do you make enough time for both education and the child?
I’m a mother, and I decided to study
Parental leave is a great opportunity to take a critical look at what you used to do to assess your prospects. If you don’t want to or can’t return to your previous job or school, the state provides the opportunity to get an education while on parental leave.
Most countries have a program to support mothers on parental leave. For details, you should contact the employment service in your place of residence: they cooperate with various educational institutions that offer parental education.
You can also go to various courses for additional education or advanced training.
I am a student and became a mother
If you want to continue studying at the university after the birth of a child, be prepared for the fact that universities do not have any legal benefits for mothers-students. So no indulgences.
Chances are that when you go back to school after giving birth with sick leave, the college administration will tell you to take a leave of absence. No one can make you take an “academic leave,” however. If you intend to continue your studies on parental leave, use our tips to make your life easier.
10 helpful tips for learning moms
Enlist the support of your immediate family
It’s great if grandparents, aunts, or uncles can babysit while you go to important classes or take exams during a session. But this is not always the case for everyone: First, schedules can be difficult to coordinate. And secondly, depending even on your family is not the most pleasant thing to do.
Make friends, fellow students
You should have enough institute friends who attend lectures. From them, you will be able to take notes and recover the missed material.
Often student moms hardly ever attend lectures, copying them from friends, but they do go to practical and laboratory classes.
Start rituals
If you’re often separated from your child, come up with traditions that will put him or her at ease. For example, eating breakfast together, reading a book before bed, cuddling on the couch, or taking an evening bath. If you feel like you need a little fresh air, it is great to start a walking routine daily as well. You can go alone or with other moms, but getting out of the house and enjoying the outdoors is good in many ways for both baby and mom. Make sure you get an appropriate stroller for your needs though. You can check out strollers for new moms online and read reviews to find out what would be best for you.
These bonding moments will help your baby get through the moments of separation.
Talk to your baby more often
Explain to your child where you are going and when you will be back. Tell your child where you are going to school. Better yet, show it off, at least in a picture.
Delegate your responsibilities
Remember that you’re not alone. And if you can delegate your household chores to someone, do it bravely. Let all family members will have their little duties – it’s okay. By the way, its ok to delegate some of your homework too. For example, if you need excel homework help, you can use different services to buy. The main thing – do not blame yourself if the homework is not done, clothes in the closet are left unironed, unwashed dishes, eggs for breakfast again. All in good time.
Use the services of nannies
Professional nannies are expensive. Especially since they try not to work less than four hours a day. So if you need a nanny rarely and for a short time, it is worth finding a babysitter – there are many services to find them. For the most part, they can be students like you. Babysitters are much cheaper than babysitters.
Another good option is to co-op with other student moms and takes turns looking after each other’s kids.
Attend moms’ co-working spaces or kids’ classes
Yes, there are special co-working spaces that initially have a kids’ area set up. So while you do your business at the table, the staff will take care of your child.
And older children can be taken to special courses where parents do not have to be present. While the child will learn something new, you can quietly copy the notes or prepare for the exam.
Switch to distance learning
This format of study does not require your constant presence at the university. And to find a sitter just for the duration of the session is many times easier.
The main thing here is to make a clear plan and devote your free time to your studies, and not to procrastination.
Don’t try to manage everything at once
Surely something (and maybe almost everything, especially at first) will not work: somewhere you will not have time, somewhere you will make a mistake. Don’t get upset or give up, just set your priorities right.
More often and more sleep
Sleep deprivation makes us irritable, weak, and dull. So sleep should be at the top of your list of things to do. An eight-hour nap is a great help in achieving your goals.
Following these tips will help you get into a state of flow and manage if not everything, then very much.
