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How do you balance kids and school and working?

I am a full time student and a single mom. My college is about 45 minutes away and I am struggling trying to find time for everything and still making sure I am with my kids everyday. Any advise. #wildlife-biology #parenting #work-life-balance #time-management

time-management work-life-balance wildlife-biology parenting
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Rachel L.’s Answer

Kudos to you for being a student and a single parent! It is a challenge trying to manage kids, a job, and school. I would suggest that you figure out what is most important. By that, I mean, what is your short term goal and long term goal. I assume school is something that will benefit you and your kids. So that cannot be stopped, but possibly altered. And, I know that your kids are not an option. Spending time with them is what is most valuable. And, working is critical to the financial support that you bring to the kids and yourself. So you have to ask yourself, "how do I prioritize my life?". You can sit down (when you have time) and write down the most important things to the least important things. Do this weekly and follow that schedule. Life changes and so do our schedules. However, if you have a plan and stick to it, your life won't seem so busy. You will find the time to do all of the things you want, but with a schedule. I have been exactly where you are. I find it very easy for me to plan ahead and stick to the schedule. There are 7 days in a week. Dedicate school a couple days, your kids a few days, while the whole time, working to support them. I know you can do it, because you are already doing it. Maybe a written plan will help ease that tension you are feeling! I hope this helps. Have a great day!

Thank you comment icon I am in my senior year right now, last semester, so the classes I am taking are mandatory to graduate. I am looking to attend a master's program part-time (2 classes a semester) to balance out my schedule. Before the pandemic, my kids came with me to my outdoor labs but now, it has made that very difficult. So balancing that is next to impossible. But we are learning to make extra time now. Patricia
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Susan’s Answer

Patricia, first of all, you are amazing! None of what you are doing is easy let alone all of them combined! For me, I find what works best is scheduling time in my day for each of the areas that are important (so you know your commute will be X minutes and you have to be at school for Y hours) so realistically, you might only have 30 minutes with your children. But I think what is most important is recognizing that balance doesn't mean you get to spend hours in each area, it might mean you do everything you can to clear your head so that when you are with your children fro 30 minutes, you are present and focused.

I have found balance is less about the quantity and all bout the quality of time you are spending in each of the areas that are important to you. Good luck!
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Joshua’s Answer

This is a tough subject to handle. As a Parent that worked 2 jobs and full-time student I feel your pain. One thing I can say is that rely on your family and friends around you and surround yourself with positivity and great attitudes. The worst thing that can get you down is studying for a test with kids screaming and you just want to help them. I am fortunate and my wife was amazing and she really helped me on the kiddo end. The other thing I can say is get your kids involved in your schooling. If you can teach your kids about what you are learning and make it fun it helps to retain that information a lot. I studied wildlife and fisheries management and some of it is boring but on the other hand it is amazing and my kid loved dad's teaching time. Plus it is a great excuse to get kids outside and also play with them and learn.
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Melissa’s Answer

Balancing all these takes time management. This is easier said then done but if you set a schedule and try to stick with it, it will come along. For example, most likely work is during the day. From there, return home, take time with the kids and have a set bedtime for them, and this becomes your "you" time where you can handle studying and unwind. If you attend class, same with working upon returning home. It can be a hassle at first but if you stick with it, all will fall into place.


You can also try getting a "to do" notebook and checking off as you do daily. Although everything in this day and time is electronic, I find myself writing things down to check off because I get better results. If you prefer the electronic way, download an app for assistance...there are many out there. Hope this helps
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Simeon’s Answer

Make time to video-call your kiddos and check in with them if you can. Any kind of little contact throughout the day will make a difference. I'd recommend trying to get your classes blocked together in big chunks. I've been to colleges that had once-a-week classes intended for out of town commuters. For a semester or two, I managed to get most of my classes in those once-a-week slots and it was incredibly helpful for school-life balance. You'll just have to remember your homework and deadlines a bit better.
Thank you comment icon I enjoy writing, physically writing, a great deal, I am going to try this. My schedule is working during the day with a few classes in the morning and 3 days a week 3 hr classes at 6pm Patricia
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