Balancing Parenthood ON CAMPUS
Parenting shouldn’t deter you from continuing onward towards your educational and career goals. However, it does present some unique challenges to overcome! Additional expenses, splitting time between classes and childcare, finding friendships and support in your community – all of these things may come into play as you are trying to figure out how to achieve your goals without compromising your role as a parent.
Practical Tips for Student Moms
Find at least one solid support person.
Know that it’s okay to not only ask for help, but to accept help. Once you ask, you’ll realize there are many people out there who want to help you. Even if you don’t have family nearby, ask close friends or visit a nearby community center or church. Finding at least one solid support person will help you tremendously.
Be passionate and realistic about your major.
Connect with your professors early on in your courses.
Find grants and scholarships.
Look everywhere for the best deals on textbooks.
Take less or alternative classes.
Remember that this is possible and worth it. Completing college on its own is a daunting task. Parenting is honestly terrifying as well. It was never my plan to be parenting and going to school. I was terrified when expecting my first child, but it has been completely worth it. I would not change anything. There have been times where I have debated my decision to attend college, but I have never debated my decision to give life to my children. I love attending college, and I love being a mother. I firmly believe that both are possible, especially with the increasing focus on nontraditional students within our secondary education systems.
Amberosity
Oregon State University
As a parenting student, it can be easy to feel the burden of the world on your shoulders...or at least the heavy backpack and car seat you tote around everywhere! One of the best lessons I learned when having my son in college was to be flexible and to ask for help when I needed it. There are so many people who are willing to help you out with watching your baby while you do homework, work, or professors who will work with you on deadlines if need be. Asking for help doesn't make you any less of a good mom, it can help you accomplish what is needed to graduate and achieve the success you need to set a firm foundation for your family!