Coping with a Baby and Studying

[tiaansmummy]

Hello Out there,

I was just wondering how other mummies cope with the studying and home life balance.

I'm struggling, and starting to think that I'm not gonna finish anything! i'm really really stressing out.

If anyone has any words of wisdom it would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sami
(mummy to an almost 5 month old princess)

[belonna]

It depends on what you are studying, if you are currently? Or are you looking to start? I've opted to do certified online TAFE courses, not all Diplomas are available but a good deal are. They are very thorough and make life so much easier - as long as you have a decent internet connection. Plenty of live assistance via chat and even video chat if you have the capabilities.

If you are currently studying, is there a portion you can opt to do from home via the internet or correspondence?

[HilaryGrace]

Hi Tiannsmummy,
I am currently studying and I find it really had to cope as well. I am actually thinking of studying through online delivery for a while so I can spend more time with bub and to lessen the guilt I feel about leaving her in daycare for 4 days per week while I go to uni. Sorry I don't have any words of wisdom, though maybe if you are not already doing distance education it is something you could consider? Just wanted you to know that there are people out here feeling the same as you...
Maybe there are other mothers near you who are studying with children close to bubba's age that you could form a play/study group with?? I had thought of doing that but I don't know anyone near me who is in the same boat?...
Just go with your gut... and take your time, that's what I try to do..

[zac'smum]

Hi!

I know how you feel, i'm sure he knows when I have a major assessment item due and decides that he suddenly wants all my attention!

Bub is now 5 months but I started studying when I was 7 months pregnant (still not sure why I thought that was a good idea!!)

I've found the uni to be very supportive ... it probably doesn't apply to you but I had deferred exams last semester as I went into labour the day before (:laughing:, my mum was on the phone to the uni as we were driving to the hospital saying "umm, I don't think my daughter will be able to make her exam tomorrow).

However, I digress! Bub goes to daycare 1 day a week which is a godsend! I try to organise all my classes to be on that day (makes it a long day but much easier than organising babysitting every week!!) Don't be afraid to speak to the TAFE/ Uni about your situation and ask for help. This semester they allowed me to have an extension on my major essay as bub was sick and I was stuggling to get it done and care for him too.

Most of all, the hardest thing i've found is time management... i'm a terrible procrastinator and playing with the baby is always more fun than studying! But it's important to try and be disciplined, if you can do a little bit each day when bub is having a nap or after she's gone to bed. Unfortunately us mummy's don't have the liberty of being able to leave things until the last minute :(

I hope this doesn't sound too "preachy" and that it helps you a bit! Good luck!!

[lupa]

Hi,
I'm going back to study next semester too. Only doing one subject and since they show the lectures online I only have to go to uni once a f/night for my tutorial! I hope I keep up though, it makes it a whole lot easier to fall behind when you study from home.

I studied last year when I was pregnant and the uni was wonderful.

Don't know how I'm going to go with study. Sounds like it will have to be when DS naps, but that's when I get everything else done (since it's only 45 mins at a time!).

If anyone's got any tips that would be great! If I have any that I work out, I"ll let you know!

x

[polony]

I started an Education degree when DD was 8 months... and have almost finished and she is now 4! PHEW!

It was hard work, but so worth it all in the end.

I found that by letting lecturers and tutors know your situation, they are pretty supportive and known to be lenient when it comes to assessments and due dates. Also, having DD in daycare was a godsend as I would spend my time doing assignments when she was at daycare, leaving me time to play with her when I picked her up... and leaving weekends homework free!

The only advice I can suggest is to do what you can cope with. Don't overload yourself. If you need to drop a unit, do it. If you need an extension on an assignment, ask for one. If you need help, get it! I know at my uni they have support sessions etc. for stress and studying. Quite helpful, and they were free!!!

Just know that it is possible, just do it at your own pace. It will get done eventually. If I can do it, anyone can. Trust me!

Good luck and I am always around for a chat or PM xx