Being a mom is difficult anyway but it’s even harder when you’re juggling work and studies. It can be a major challenge keeping your energy levels up, allocating time to study and concentrating on your goals when you have little ones to take care of.
But if you know how to organize your time and you implement self-discipline, you can be a soccer mom and balance work and studies effectively. In this article we discuss four practical tips to help balance your studies and working life while taking care of your children.
1. Time Saving Ideas
Create Family Calendars
When you’re busy you don’t have time to tell your family what your schedule is. You may even forget to communicate what needs to be done to manage the house while you’re studying. The best way to keep your family in the loop is by creating a shared calendar.
A shared calendar will allow you to schedule classes and work, so if you have parent evenings or family gatherings to attend, you can schedule your study time around these days and times. You can invite your spouse and other family members to the calendar so they can see when you’re available or not.
Quick and Easy Meals
Freeze pre-made foods so dinner is easier to prepare for the family. Opt for healthy pre-cooked foods from the store that require no preparations. Simply pop the pre-cooked food in the oven and study while you wait for it to bake.
Public Transportation Allows You to Do More
Taking the bus or train to college will allow you to respond to emails and phone calls easily while traveling. You can also use this time to study.
Hire Cleaning Services and Nannies
Hire nannies to take care of the children during their school breaks. Opt for a cleaning service to maintain your home while you’re at school or work so you come home to a clean house.
2. Take Advantage of the Resources Your University Offers
Visit school sites such as aic.edu.kw to see what resources the university can offer you. Take advantage of educational center libraries and student help centers when you need to complete projects. For university moms that won’t have time to go to the store to buy meals, simply visit the cafeteria to buy snacks for your family.
3. Ways to Optimize your Finances
Ensure that you are prepared for any crisis when it comes to finances. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances such as a sickly child or damaged school items will require you to fork out money. It’s important to have a savings account so you can put money away for emergencies. So, create a budget for your studies and child care. A proper budget will allow you to manage your finances effectively and minimize your stress levels.
4. Keep Your Energy Levels Up
Being a mom and maintaining your studies and work schedule can be extremely exhausting. You’ll need to implement a strict routine for yourself and your children so that you don’t feel drained. The best way to do this is by implementing the following:
- Going to bed early
- Eat breakfast
- Make sure the children are in bed at a reasonable time every evening
- Fuel your body with healthy foods
It’s also important to do regular exercises because it releases dopamine so you feel motivated and energized.
Final Thoughts
Will you be implementing our four practical tips? You are a strong and independent woman who can have it all. All you have to do is have a proper routine, keep your energy levels high and remember to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.
