How to Fit Studying Around Being a Busy Mom

When you have children, it’s only natural that you will want to spend every waking hour with your little ones. However, if you have decided to explore higher education, trying to find a balance between studying and looking after the kids can be a challenge.

With that in mind, here are a few ways you can fit your studying around being a busy mom.

Schedule Study Time

If you have little ones running around the house, finding time for studying can seem like a challenge. The trick is to have a schedule in place. It will give more structure to your day and allow you to stay focused on your education.

Getting yourself into a study routine can make a huge difference and increase your chances of passing your course. When your kids are asleep, try and see this as a window to study.

However, if you’re studying for an online course, you'll have more opportunities in the day to sneak in some work. The switch to online may just be what you need. 

Find a Quiet Space

If possible, try and create an area in your home where you can study without any distractions. For this to be effective, you will need to let your kids know that the area is strictly off-limits. I mean — what's the point if they are still bugging you?

Having a place where you can study in peace and quiet can make all the difference.

If you don’t have enough space in your home for a dedicated study space, use a box or cabinet. At least by storing everything away, you'll make sure your school stuff stays safe and out of the wrong hands!

Juggling Family Commitments

Running a busy household can take it out of you. When you factor in all the cleaning, cooking, and other chores that need to be done, it’s easy to put education on the backburner.

However, try and utilize your time effectively. For example, when you are cooking in the kitchen, try and cram in some studying while you’re waiting for the food to cook. If your kids are at soccer practice, see this as a window of opportunity to get some work done. Every minute counts so even spending 30 minutes out of your day to catch up with coursework can be huge.

If you live with your partner, they may be able to help with childcare too. Having help will give you more time to focus on your work. Whether it be giving the kids a bath, or playing some games together, you will have more time to work (without feeling guilty).

Involve Your Kids

If your kids are old enough, why not ask them to help around the house? While no one is saying they must do the A-Z of chores, there are little things that they can do to help make your life that little bit easier.

Plus when your kids are busy doing chores, this is yet another opportunity to study. Whether it be unloading the dishwasher, or vacuuming around the home, having your kids help you out can take the stress and pressure off when it comes to studying.

Not to mention, it benefits your kids too so it's a win, win!

Hire Outside Help

If you need complete silence when studying, good luck! It’s only natural that your kids will want to play and have fun, but if you have a deadline coming up, being able to focus is incredibly important.

If you can afford it, why not hire a babysitter? Paying someone to come in to look after the kids and take them out for the day can give you the peace and quiet you need to focus on your education.

You can also use this time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. If your budget is tight, try and see if any of your friends and family will step in to help? Having support from your nearest and dearest is important, especially when you’re trying to focus on your studies.