Living with your parents during your studies is one thing, but being a parent and studying is something entirely different. However, this is not unheard of, as more than a fifth of US college students are parents at the same time. With two huge responsibilities, all the stress seems to double as well. There are ways, however, to help you reduce stress and take matters into your own hands. 
Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash
When You’re Not Just a Student
Being a student means having more responsibilities than a 30-year-old would like to undertake. Being a student is one of the most stressful occupations there is. The same can be said about parenting, so joining the two together does not seem like a good idea. However, good organization is a killer and will enable you to make the best out of both times.
Parent in College: Problems and How to Fix Them
Depending on the course of your studies, the study program, and the age of your child, you may experience different issues. However, we are here to consider some of the most common problems that parents who still study face. These problems mostly relate to studies, as most young parents have a helping hand nearby to take over the child for a few hours a day.
Time Management
Time management is one of the biggest obstacles there is to reach your degree. Dedication, motivation, and all else fail in the face of time because there is simply not enough of it. However, as long as you avoid spikes in activity and try to do a bit every day, you will be just fine. A good planner, relationship abilities, and the ability to prioritize (and the ability to let something go) are all important skills that we list under time management.
Relationship Management
Next on the list of ways to improve the course of your studies as a parent is relationship management. Among all the hassle and assignments that an average student has, it can be difficult to find time to dedicate to your partner. To avoid too much hassle and problems growing into frustrations, always rely on your partner, but also learn to be there for them. An hour every evening and a night out a week can make all the difference in the world.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is usually the first necessity that we all let go of when faced with the issue of a lack of time, but one study after another has proven that this is the last thing you should give up on. Keeping good health is essential in the course of your studies, as time lost is very difficult to make up for, next to impossible, in fact. Just 2-3 hours of jogging a day can significantly improve your health, as well as your academic performance.
Sleep Patterns
Your sleep patterns can be compromised (in over 70% of American youth, in fact), especially if you live with a baby or a toddler. For this reason, you should try as hard as you can to stay on your sleeping schedule. This may mean giving up on some parties and hitting the bed early. This should never mean taking any sleep medications or Melatonin for sleep, as you may need to wake up easily for your child’s sake.
High Expectations
With this many responsibilities, you may want to consider cutting back on some of your goals. High expectations are the mother of all disappointment. You do not need the best grades. You do not need to make it to the dean’s list, and you do not need to be the best parent ever. Being good enough is the best thing that you can strive for, as it allows some wiggle room and a deeper understanding of your situation.
Staying Motivated
Staying motivated with piles of work to be done can be exhausting. If you lack motivation, give yourself a boost. Spend some time outdoors with your family and let Top Essay Writing take over a portion of your school work. This can be beneficial on so many levels, especially as you will have more time to dedicate to yourself.
Final Considerations for Parents in College
Being mindful and holistically aware of your specific situation is the best advice there is on how to succeed as a parent in college. Getting organized and staying organized and healthy are the keys to success. Understand that you are not alone here and that more students need help, but there are also those willing to share their notes and whatnot for a cup of coffee.
Carl Hill
Carl Hill is a self-made man. He loves reading the popular psychology genre and self-help books and frequently talks to foreigners in his city. Carl loves traveling and exploring but prefers a good conversation over a dark roast.
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