1) Make it Part of the Routine
This one might be a little challenging at first, but once everyone gets used to it, it really is a God send! Plan in your study and/or class time throughout the week. This way everyone can anticipate when its coming, and plan accordingly. Work it into your existing routine to make life less stressful on everyone. Whether this means planning some reading during naps, designating homework time for kids and mom, or taking some time out of the house to work independently while the kids stay with a spouse, family member, or sitter find the times that work best for you. Try to avoid working "after the kids are in bed" as much as possible. Believe me, I have spent many late nights doing this because life happens, but it definitely added some stress.
2) Don't Overload on Classes
I know its hard. Its hard not to max out at every possible credit hour each semester in order to accomplish goals earlier. For parents, this isn't always the best approach. While we focus on our education, our little people still want to do fun things and still want us to be present in those times! Make sure you aren't taking so many classes that you forget to live in the moment with those sweet babies.
3) Find a Note-Taking System
Moms are already experts at multitasking. Chances are, you might be attending class, reading, or taking notes when someone in your life needs a snack, poops, throws up, wants the TV changed, starts fighting, wants to play outside...the list is endless. Finding a system for notes that works for you is key to college success! For me, the old fashioned pen and paper is the best. For others, typing on a document on the computer works best. Others find recording a class to play again later works best. Try many options until you find your perfect fit. Use many if you need to! I have often recorded classes and taken notes. Don't be afraid to highlight your purchased textbooks (don't do it in rentals, folks!) and print off lecture slides and notes to make marginalia and highlight as well.
4) Don't Procrastinate!
Ok, college 101 right? I think this was probably on every single syllabus I read since 2010. Prior to kids, it kind of went in one ear and out the other. I worked well under pressure in those days. Some of my best essays and best work was done the day (let's be real, 4 hours) before it was due. That doesn't work when others dictate your time. Life with kids is always a toss up. It's better to have that assignment done ahead of time and ready to submit, or submitted before hand. Murphy's Law will dictate that if you wait, someone will vomit and your whole plan is now tossed to the wind. Don't expect all of your professors to be understanding if a child is sick and you miss a deadline--it is not really their issue that your carpet is now covered in nasty and you are tired; just get that paper done! Stay on top of reviewing your notes to help you be successful on quizzes and tests as well.
5) Be Flexible
Be ready for things to change in your routine. Kids get sick. Kids want to do things. On that one sunny day after a long winter of indoors, kids want to go to the park--go! Sometimes, kids just need you. They want to cuddle and you might be reading textbooks to a teething baby at 1 a.m. You might be typing a paper while kids play in the backyard in the sprinkler. You might be taking a quiz while in labor because baby number two decides to come early. Know that you CAN do it, mama. You absolutely CAN do it. There are times when you will just feel done and ready to quit. Believe me, its not easy; but finishing it is the absolute best feeling! Remember you are doing it not only for you, but for those sweet (and sometimes sour!) kiddos too. Give yourself some grace and be flexible.
Now, stop reading this and go study like a motha! Remember, when all else fails, pour a glass of wine and hit the books, mama.
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