Fulfilling motherhood's demands while studying is undoubtedly no easy feat. No matter what your reasons, whether it's to improve your career prospects, change professions, or just enhance your knowledge in your chosen field, it can be daunting without proper planning. However, studying while raising a family is entirely achievable with the right strategies, support systems, and mindset. This article will discuss a few obstacles you may face and ways to stay motivated throughout your academic journey.
You may be presented with many challenges when studying as a mum. Let's discuss a few of these and ways to address them:
It's often a case of so much to do in so little time. Between caring for your family, tending to your household, earning an income, and now adding studying to an already overflowing list can be overwhelming. Thankfully with a few practical time management strategies, getting everything you need to get done is possible.
Creating a study schedule would be an excellent place to start. This will help to mentally prepare you for incorporating time for study into your day, whether it's when the kids are at daycare or school, doing extracurriculars, or asleep. Be sure to prioritise study tasks according to their order of importance - if you have a big assignment due soon, try to tick it off the list before tackling smaller tasks. This will help to avoid any feelings of anxiousness associated with looming deadlines.
Another effective strategy to help you stay on top of your game is to find a time that works for you. While some may be able to function at their best at the crack of dawn, others may find studying in the evenings more productive. Also, taking the time to think about what study techniques suit you best will be helpful. Establishing how you digest information, whether through visuals, audio, written word, or a combination of these, will save valuable time when studying.
Finally, about managing your time, be sure to set realistic goals. When you're a busy mum, time is of the essence and every minute counts, so it's important to establish achievable outcomes. If you can only set aside 30 minutes of study time on a particular day, try to zone in on the study task at hand during that time. Create milestones like completing a chapter or submitting an assignment before the due date - it's all about celebrating the small wins.
Trying to study (or do anything for yourself) around children, especially when they're younger and in the attachment phase, can be exhausting. It can lead to interruptions in your study schedule, whether in the form of lost concentration at a particular moment or just not having the energy or will to study after a long day of tending to your kids.
It is important in these trying times to rely on your village - because it definitely takes one to effectively juggle the demands of raising children, let alone everything else life throws at you. Lean on family, friends or daycare for support where possible so that you can carve out time for studies.
Women in general, especially when running a household carry a great deal of mental strain. Between thinking about the nitty-gritty of everyday life, like what's for dinner or fulfilling your cleaning schedule, and the bigger questions such as whether the kids are having too much screen time, there's often not much thought left for anything else. When it comes to studying on top of an already hectic lifestyle, thoughts of self-doubt are likely to kick in, making you question your abilities.
To combat the impostor syndrome and “mum guilt”, try to remind yourself of why you started in the first place. It may seem impossible to think about the bigger picture when your kids are screaming at the top of their lungs when you drop them off at daycare or a relative's place, but it is in these moments that you should visualise the goal. Whether it’s career growth or financial security, remember that you're making sacrifices for the greater good of your family. The key is to be gentle with yourself throughout the journey of studying as a mum.
Whether you're returning to study and pursuing an undergraduate qualification or a working mum looking to upskill with a postgraduate degree like a Masters in Public Health, the challenges and importance of staying motivated are exactly the same. Motivation isn't constant, especially when you're balancing multiple responsibilities. Here are a few ways to stay on track.
Explore university resources such as academic assistance or counselling for guidance. You can also join online forums or social media groups consisting of other studying mums to help you feel a part of a community. Another good support structure would be a mentor who has been through similar experiences and can advise you through your journey.
Managing a busy schedule successfully has a lot to do with your state of mind. If you are not in a good mental space, it may prove difficult to tackle the demands of motherhood together with trying to pursue a tertiary qualification. When trying to do it all, it is important to accept challenges as part of the process. Setbacks should be seen as growth opportunities instead of things that lead to discouragement and demotivation.
We often forget the importance of taking care of ourselves, especially during the mum era and even more so when we're in the pursuit of achieving goals. As insignificant as it may seem in the greater scheme of things, remembering to schedule short breaks, engage in hobbies, get in some exercise, eat well and prioritise rest will do wonders for productivity and your overall health and well-being.
Whether you're a mum pursuing an undergraduate qualification or furthering your education, the challenges and importance of staying motivated remain the same. This is why it is crucial to find the right program to fit your lifestyle. While some may opt for the flexibility of pursuing an online qualification, others may prefer other programs that require on-campus learning, or even a combination of remote and in-person classes, although the latter may require additional support where childcare is concerned.
As mentioned, studying while raising children is no easy task, but with adequate planning, a strong support system, and the right mindset, success is entirely possible. Remember that every step you take towards furthering your education is an investment in your future and your family’s well-being. The key is to stay motivated, accept help, and trust in your ability to achieve your goals.
